Cowboys vs. 49ers: Who Will Secure the $36.7M Pass Rusher Before It's Too Late?

The 2026 NFL offseason is on the horizon, and the spotlight is once again on the Dallas Cowboys. After a disappointing end to the 2025 season, where they failed to make the playoffs, the team is gearing up for significant changes. With their iconic owner, Jerry Jones, at the helm, rumors are swirling about potential moves to revitalize the franchise.

One of the key factors in the Cowboys’ offseason strategy will be their financial flexibility. A pivotal trade that sent linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers has provided Dallas with some extra breathing room in their budget, as well as an additional first-round draft pick. This newfound flexibility positions the Cowboys to make critical adjustments, particularly in bolstering their defense, which was noticeably impacted by the loss of Parsons.

Cowboys and 49ers Eyeing Joseph Ossai

As the Cowboys prepare for free agency, it appears they may enter a competition with the San Francisco 49ers for the services of pass rusher Joseph Ossai. According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, both teams are "potential free agency suitors" for the 25-year-old defensive end.

Davenport notes that “Ossai is entering the prime of his career, and among edge-rushers who aren’t going to command a big contract in 2026, he is the best bet to have a coming-out party in a new home.” This sentiment positions Ossai as an attractive target for any team looking to enhance their pass rush without breaking the bank.

During the 2025 NFL season, Ossai played 14 games for the Cincinnati Bengals, tallying 43 total tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Over his first four years in the league, he has accumulated impressive stats, including 116 tackles, 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three defended passes across 61 games.

Despite not being a household name, Ossai’s skill set could significantly benefit the Cowboys, who are actively seeking to improve their pass rush capabilities. However, while Dallas has room to maneuver financially, they must approach free agency with caution to avoid overspending.

According to Spotrac, Ossai's market value is projected to be around $9.2 million per season, with a potential contract framework estimated at four years and $36.7 million. For both the Cowboys and 49ers, this price range for Ossai represents a smart investment in a player who, while not a panacea for all defensive woes, can bring depth and reliability to a defensive lineup.

In conclusion, as the Cowboys look to rebound from a lackluster 2025 season, the pursuit of players like Joseph Ossai will be a critical component of their strategy. The competition with the 49ers for the pass rusher underscores the high stakes of the upcoming offseason, as both teams aim to strengthen their defenses and make a run at playoff contention in 2026.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Dallas Cowboys navigate these opportunities to reestablish themselves as a formidable force in the NFL.