Remember the 2014 NFL Draft? The Dallas Cowboys held the 16th overall pick, and as Roger Goodell walked up to the podium, we were all nervous about the possibility the words “Johnny Manziel, quarterback, from Texas A&M” were coming. It was a pretty fun moment. But fortunately, they didn’t make that pick.
Instead, Dallas protected then-starting QB Tony Romo by drafting Zack Martin as the team’s new right guard. Since 2014, Martin has been a first team All-Pro twice. The other two years he’s been in the league, he’s been a second-team All-Pro.
Simply put, Zack Martin has been the best offensive guard in the NFL since entering the league.
Almost four years after he was drafted by America’s Team, Martin is heading into his last year under contract with the Cowboys. After picking up the fifth-year option on Martin’s contract, the question has now become how will the front office handle negotiations when they discuss his extension.
For a long time, we’ve thought of Zack Martin’s future extension as something that was inevitable; whoever they let walk in free agency, his deal’s going to happen. But… what if it doesn’t?
Maybe, just maybe, the Cowboys shouldn’t prioritize his deal this season.
Sure, it sounds crazy. Who would let the best guard in football walk, just because? But getting Zack an extension will not be an easy task for the Cowboys.
Last year, Cleveland Browns’ Guard Kevin Zeitler signed a $60M contract, which averaged $12M per year. Zack’s deal is going to be even more expensive.
His contract will probably make him the highest paid guard in the NFL.
The Cowboys are already paying Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick a lot of money. Even if retaining #70 would mean that the NFL’s best offensive line would remain the one in Dallas, is it worth it?
Truth be told, the Cowboys are a football team with a ton of needs on both sides of the ball.
This offseason’s to-do list is a pretty large one for the front office. They need to find a way to keep David Irving, DeMarcus Lawrence, Anthony Hitchens and maybe even add some free agent to come help this team. Who knows, they might even consider Earl Thomas’ request and actually go get him.
Let’s say that they bring Jonathan Cooper back. This group would have Smith, Cooper, Frederick and Collins in their offensive line. Even without Martin, that’s a very solid unit. Bring a decent guard to replace Zack, and you still have a good offensive line with an excellent running back and a mobile quarterback.
Could Zack Martin Be Traded?
One of the things that interests me the most, is this. If they decide not to give Martin his expected extension, is it possible they’d consider trading him? There would be no dead money at all and the Cowboys would free up more than $9M.
They could easily get a second-round pick and who knows, maybe even a first.
At a time in which the Cowboys need to add a lot of talent, it may be worth investing in other positions and be comfortable with a very good offensive line instead of the very best offensive line.
Ultimately, I think the deal will get done.
However, I don’t think it would be a bad idea for the Cowboys to think twice.
It’s nice to have one of the best offensive lines, but having three of the highest paid linemen in the league might end up hurting the Cowboys’ cap space and their ability to improve the team.
This isnt even a question. The best guard in football, of course you resign him. Give him what he wants and move on. If you need money to make other moves than you do things like get rid of Crawford, Scandrick, Heath, Beasley. The draft is where you address positions you couldn’t keep in free agency
I 100% agree in that you would first look for other options to free up in cap space. Even Dez Bryant could be in consideration, IMO. Just thought it would make for a fun discussion. Martin will get paid way more than any of those guys thought (except Dez). But yeah, I definitely think Zack will get paid
Why is this a question
Just thought it’s an interesting discussion.
So let me get this straight. Because of need you suggest the Cowboys not sign Martin just to create another need? Well that makes no sense whay so ever!
EXACTLY STUPID LOL
Well, Martin’s going to get a deal around $60M. Thought it would be an interesting topic to talk about, even though I think they will keep him. And it’s not me suggesting that Martin shouldn’t get an extension. It’s me discussing why it wouldn’t be as crazy as it actually sounds.
This isn’t even a question. Zach Martin stays in Dallas. If they let him go they are stupid. Usually I really like your articles but this one not at all. Martin is easily our best offensive lineman. That’s like saying packers trade Aaron Rodgers when he was 26 and he’s the best qb in the league. If Dallas doesn’t resign him which I think they will I will never watch my beloved cowboys again cuz that just means they have clueless people running the show. Zach Martin worth more than a 2nd round pick he worth a 1st and 2nd round pick. No even considerable
I’m glad you enjoy the articles, Michael. Just an interesting topic. I definitely think the deal will get done and the article is not me saying he shouldn’t be paid, just pointing out maybe it isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Thanks for reading!
Some thoughts should remain just thoughts. Martin should be a priority on the same level as Lawrence
I just think it’s an interesting discussion to have.
He is the Best guard. Pay him!
Definitely think he will get paid
Either you wanted to see what Boyz fanz think of Martin or you just got caught over thinking and I mean waaaaayyyy over thinking! Best gaurd IMO in the NFL and not only is his dependability, leadership and talent enough to drool over then comes the next article he had ZERO penalties in 2017! Yea that’s what I thought when they typed it ZERO! I don’t know how rare that is at the moment and I’m sure that it has happened be4, BUT in NO WAY do we think about trading or allowing him to walk!
I definitely think he’ll stay in Dallas. And as I’ve said in various comments and on Twitter, this is not me saying “They shouldn’t resign Martin”, just wanted to point out that despite the fact that it’d be a crazy move, it makes sense in a way
Their are other players you can cut to create cap room. T.will, crawford, scandrick, a.morris, j.heath, swaim, and durant. And thats without even looking at the roster.
I love your outside the box thinking. This would make sense…cap wise. I’m sure he is definitely worth a 1st round pick….easily. I would make that trade to sign the others like D-Law, Hitch and Cooper and draft another guard in the first round….if one is available.
Not a bad idea at all however this method may require the Cowboys to have to rethink multiple positions every 3 to 5 years … and that’s only if there’s players in a given draft possibly able to provide that kind of upside or potential – that being playing at a very very quality level but the pay scale being much lower due to few years in the league. That could be very risky!!
Here is any interesting off-season topic…..NFL re-alignment. Indulge me for a moment: In the NFC I would have Dallas and Carolina swap divisions. And In the AFC (little bit more) take Miami out of east and place them in south, Take Indy out of south (to make room for Miami) and place in north. Baltimore would then take the place of Miami in the east. When you look at this re-alignment geographically it makes a lot of sense and would be beneficial to all parties. I know a large amount of people/fans will talk about rivalries but with the way players change teams EVERY year I feel new rivalries will take the place of older ones.
This is a joke. It also lost any and all credibility when he said we drafted him 16th, and he’s the best guard in the NFL. So let’s get a 2nd round pick for him? What a joke
This kind of article gets written because the seasons over and people are searching for clickbait. Of course you keep ZM.
U keep Martin at all costs. If u have to cut ties with someone u cut ties with dez or tyron smith. U move Martin or Collins to LT. U should be fired for considering letting go of the best guard/lineman in the league
Cowboys always wait til players are has been to make trades….you can do a lot with a 1st rounder & 9 mil in cap space. Crawford was a horrible signing, scandrick has to be traded before he his worthless.. Beasley could bring a 3-5th rounder…heath a 7th….trade Prescott(he’s no tony ROMO) to browns for their 2 1sts…. Cooper Rush is a much better passer