Latest news with #MaliekCollins
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys spent $80 million on centerpiece to new defensive front in 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have defined themselves over the last decade as a team that doesn't venture into the first wave of free agency. While teams around the league look to acquire the best talent hitting the market, the Cowboys instead choose to search for cost-conscious acquisitions so they aren't burned by spending a ton of money for players who have not proven themselves to those inside the building at The Star in Frisco. Dallas' big deals are reserved for players who have performed while wearing the star, and this offseason the man that fit the bill was interior defender Osa Odighizuwa. Odighizuwa is now entering his fifth season with the Cowboys. The former third-round pick has become a mainstay in the Cowboys' interior, as their only homegrown prospect at defensive tackle who has solidified himself among the league's best in the last decade. Dallas let Maliek Collins, a 2016 third-round pick, walk after his rookie contract expired, and after missing his presence in 2020, grabbed Odighizuwa as part of an 11-player draft class. The Cowboys didn't let Odighizuwa escape, signing him to a four-year extension right before he hit the open market, and at a significant hometown discount. Rundown Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) reacts to sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (not pictured) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Position: Defensive Tackle Advertisement Age: 27 (by Week 1) Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 280 pounds Hometown: Dayton, OH (born) | Oregon High School: David Douglas HS, Portland College: UCLA (Highlight Video) Draft: 2021, Third-round pick No. 75 Acquired: 2021 Draft Contract: Four-year deal (2025), $80 million includes signing bonus of $20 million 2025 Base Salary: $1.75 million (guaranteed) | $500k per-game roster bonuses (g'teed) | Cap Hit: $6.25M Career Earnings: $26.8 million (per Over The Cap) Profile Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports Odighizuwa is the quintessential three-technique defensive tackle, lining up against either guard on a regular basis. He'll occasionally play defensive end, but those snaps are primarily in situations when Dallas goes into a three-man front. Although his sack totals don't scream elite, his pressure metrics do as he's consistently among the league's top interior players in getting into the backfield on passing plays. As a run defender, he does leave something to be desired. Advertisement The Cowboys have failed to augment Odighizuwa with another quality interior player, and as such the team continues to struggle along the defensive line despite teaming Agent OO97 with elite edge rusher Micah Parsons. Odighizuwa started 12 of 16 games as a rookie, and has started all 17 games in each of the last three seasons. He has 13.5 career sacks, including 4.5 in 2024 when he has 60 pressures, third-most of all defensive linemen. He'll be spelled this season by Solomon Thomas, a 2025 free-agent acquisition, and most likely flanked by Mazi Smith, their 2023 first-round pick out of Michigan. There isn't much in the cupboard at defensive tackle for the Cowboys, which has been the storyline of the last couple seasons and the reason Odighizuwa logged over 850 snaps in 2024. Dallas could still look to play the late free-agent market to bring in more depth as the offseason progresses. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans! This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Dallas Cowboys player profile: No. 97 DT Osa Odighizuwa
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Browns New Star Reveals Honest Feelings About Shedeur Sanders
As with any first-round draft pick, the Cleveland Browns' new defensive tackle Mason Graham is garnering a lot of attention at the team's rookie minicamp this weekend. After all, the Browns passed up the opportunity to get one of the prospects regarded as a generational talent in Travis Hunter by trading back from No. 2 to No. 5 to select Graham. Advertisement No pressure, right? For Graham, a lot of the spotlight has been shaded by fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, but he's ok with that. 'That doesn't really matter to me,' Graham said via Ashley Bastock of 'I come to play football. If the media's on me, then they're on me. If the media's not, then it's not. I'm just going to do my job at the end of the day. Graham said his first time meeting Sanders went well, which is good since they're now teammates. "He was cool,' Graham said. 'Seems like a good dude and it was all about ball. So I want to play with guys that are like-minded.' Sanders had a very famous slide in the NFL Draft earlier this month. While it was thought that the former Colorado quarterback would end up in Cleveland, no one predicted that it would happen in the fifth round. Advertisement Some additional pressure might be off Graham, too, as he may not need to be a Day 1 starter, even as the No. 5 overall pick. The Browns signed Maliek Collins this offseason and return Shelby Harris. Last year's second-round pick, Mike Hall, is returning from a knee injury and could start ahead of Graham. But the former Michigan Wolverine will almost certainly be part of the early-season defensive line rotation. General manager Andrew Berry has been public about his wishes for the defensive line rotation in Cleveland to be six or eight players deep. Berry was very high on Graham at the NFL Scouting Combine. "He is a DNA match for our defense, a disruptive interior penetrator ... we thought he was one of the more dominant trench prospects in this year's class," Berry said. Related: Browns Involved in International NFL Schedule Rumor Related: Browns Trade of 1 QB Updated as Controversy
USA Today
17-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Browns: Grading the Maliek Collins signing in NFL free agency
Browns: Grading the Maliek Collins signing in NFL free agency The Cleveland Browns upgraded their defensive line in NFL free agency with the signing of Maliek Collins. The Browns secured the veteran defensive tackle with a two-year, $20 million contract. This signing addresses a crucial need for depth and experience on the interior, as the Browns look to maintain their defensive dominance under Jim Schwartz. How does Collins fit with Schwartz, however? Does his production match the price tag? Let's talk about it. Here's a breakdown of Collins' fit, value, and career production: How does he fit the team? Collins' arrival couldn't be more timely. With the Browns releasing Dalvin Tomlinson and facing uncertainty regarding Mike Hall Jr.'s return from injury, Collins provides immediate stability and a proven track record. More importantly, his skillset aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's aggressive, attacking defensive philosophy. As anyone who has watched Browns football over the last two seasons can see, Schwartz's scheme prioritizes disruptive play. For better and for worse, the defensive front focuses on tackles for loss and sacks to put opposing offenses behind the chains. Collins' on-field tape reveals a rare trait for an interior lineman: exceptional ankle bend. This allows him to maintain a low, explosive stance, generating power and balance during stunts and pass rushes. This athleticism could even allow him to utilize advanced techniques, such as Reggie White's "hump move." For those unaware, this technique involves a defensive lineman driving into a gap, and, once the offensive lineman has committed to defending said gap, the defender can abruptly reverse his direction and drive inside, using the upper body to "hump" or push the would-be blocker off balance. With Maliek Collins joining the ranks alongside Myles Garrett on the edge, Shelby Harris, and the younger players on the interior, the Browns' defensive line is poised to be a force to be reckoned with. The Finances At $20 million for two years, with $13 million guaranteed at the time of signing, the Browns have secured a seasoned veteran at a reasonable price. The deal reflects Collins' consistent production and experience, while also providing the team with financial flexibility for the remaining offseason, as they are currently under the cap by roughly $12 million, pending details from recently tendered and restructured contracts of other members of the Browns organization. This comes after a newly raised cap ceiling of $279.2 million, and with the addition of their rollover cap from 2024, the Browns raised their functional ceiling for 2025 to an AFC-leading $325.9 million. His Career Thus Far Collins enters his 10th NFL season with a solid career resume. A product of Nebraska, he has played for four different teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, and most recently, the San Francisco 49ers. In 2024 with the 49ers, he recorded five sacks and 33 combined tackles in 17 games, showcasing his continued ability to impact the game. Overall, Collins has amassed 239 total tackles and 30.5 sacks throughout his career. His consistent production and versatility make him a valuable asset to any defense. The Browns are acquiring a seasoned player who has consistently delivered throughout his career, adding a crucial layer of experience and production to their defensive front. Overall Grade: A-
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Browns agree on a 2-year, $20 million deal with defensive tackle Maliek Collins
The Cleveland Browns and defensive tackle Maliek Collins have agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract that includes $13 million fully guaranteed, agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Collins started 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers after spending his first eight seasons with Dallas, Houston and Las Vegas. Collins, who turns 30 next month, has 30 1/2 sacks, including five last season. Despite acquiring backup quarterback Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Browns are planning to host Russell Wilson on a visit this week, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowl pick who spent last season with the Steelers, also will visit the Giants, the person said. The Browns, who have the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, may not have Deshaun Watson for most of the season after he ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three months. The Browns kicked off free agency by making four-time All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, giving him a four-year extension that includes $122.8 million guaranteed, an average annual salary of $40 million with a total value of $204.8 million. Cleveland announced linebacker Devin Bush, tackle Cornelius Lucas end edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka have signed contracts and safety Juan Thornhill was released.
