As we are now a week away from the Cowboys returning to training camp, and all had been quiet on the Arlington front.
I recently wrote about how the lull of the offseason in July is deafening, and we desperately needed some Cowboys football to break the silence.
Well I got my wish. Just not at all what I wanted to hear.
Cowboys’ six-time All-Pro guard and team captain Zack Martin is considering not reporting to training camp due to his unhappiness with his contract and the team’s lack of interest in restructuring it, per sources. Martin believes he is “woefully underpaid relative to the market.”… pic.twitter.com/mKV2W9hPPZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 19, 2023
As reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Dallas Cowboys All-Pro G Zack Martin is considering not reporting to training camp.
Martin is reportedly unhappy with his contract and the Cowboys lack of interest in restructuring it to match his on the field value.
He believes he is “woefully underpaid relative to the market”.
The six time All-Pro is currently playing on a 6yr/$84 million contract that he signed in 2018.
At the time, that made Martin the highest paid guard in the league and the richest contract in history for the position.
Now five years removed from then, Martin currently ranks eighth in salary amongst guards in the NFL.
Here are the players who rank ahead of Martin’s $14 million in annual average salary.
- Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons, $20.5 million
- Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts, $20 million
- Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers, $17 million
- Brandon Scherff, Jacksonville Jaguars, $16.5 million
- Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns, $16 million
- Joe Thuney, Kansas City Chiefs, $16 million
- Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns, $14.2 million
What Does This Mean For Dallas?
The questions on the offensive line for the Cowboys are widely publicized.
Starting RT Terence Steele is recovering from an ACL tear suffered near the end of the 2022 season.
Long time LT Tyron Smith is projected to again start there in his 13th season, but cannot be counted on to stay healthy for 17 plus games.
Second year player Tyler Smith is locked in at left guard, but that is contingent on Tyron’s health.
Should Tyron go down, the natural move would be for Tyler to kick out to left tackle just like he was forced to do as a rookie.
In that scenario, there is a Texas sized hole at left guard.
There are players who have been rotating in there throughout all offseason activities, but not one of them has stood out to cement themselves as a starter.
Matt Farniok, Matt Waletzko, and newly signed veteran Chuma Edoga have been the main three players considered for the starting left guard job.
The one sure thing we have been able to count on from the offensive line this offseason is that we don’t have to worry at all about right guard.
A Martin contract dispute changes that narrative.
Why Now?
This is honestly the only question that came to my mind immediately after the Schefter tweet came across my feed.
Of all the players I expected to hold out from team activities for a new contract, Zack Martin was the absolute last one on my list.
The President has always been a quiet guy who just goes out and does his job.
Why did he decide to make noise after one of the best off-seasons for the Cowboys in recent memory?
The attitude of the front office has changed.
It is apparent that they believe this team is close to greatness, and their moves in recent months have been to get as close to that greatness as possible.
The Cowboys went out of their comfort zone and traded for two established veterans to bolster the talent on both sides of the ball.
WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore automatically make the Cowboys one of the favorites to win the NFC.
Another move out of their comfort zone was to release fan favorite RB Ezekiel Elliott to unload his expensive contract.
They also opened up the checkbook, and paid a safety, Donovan Wilson.
The Cowboys are notorious for not addressing the safety position over the years, but the new attitude changed that.
I’m all for Martin getting his money. The timing is just odd to me.
In a season where the collective goal should be focusing on getting to the Super Bowl before the window closes, Martin’s actions feel a tad bit selfish.
Perhaps Martin feels his body is physically on the decline, and is trying to get out ahead of that.
Whatever the case may be, this is some very unwelcome news to Cowboys fans and the team, alike.
Obviously not good news, as he may be the best player on the offense, and one of my favorites. However, I’m not for players holding out. He was given a very good LUCRATIVE contract and should fulfill his obligation. That goes for every player on the team. These players are paid VERY handsomely. I agree with you Mario, “selfish”.
See ya
Pay him as the best player at his position. How many times do we see a player get CUT for lack of production every single off season? Give me a break. They just CUT Zeke! Do you think for one moment they are not going to ask Martin to take a pay cut once his production drops off or they will jus CUT him? Oh the salary cap the salary cap. Please stop they have a salary cap because dumb owners can’t control themselves from spending. Pay Zach Martin what he deserves.
He was paid very well before others started getting paid. He signed the deal and has two years on it. Get tired of players deciding they need more money all the time, especially knowing others are in line first who do not have 2 years on a contract. Always liked Martin but nobody is more important than the team. Lastly this came from ESPN and that hack AS. Everyone else is just repeating him. Until Martin says something or it comes from a Dallas reporter I’ll not believe it anyway.
When your boss comes to you and tells you “ You need to take a pay cut because you’re just not performing at the level we need you too if not then we will just have to cut you.” Wouldn’t that be the worst thing that happened to you? Now, Zach Martin is the best at what he does and it’s not close. First ballot Hall of Fame slam dunk. Y’all have zero issues with these men taking a pay cut or getting cut. Who are we to talk about another man’s money? Keep drinking that Kool Aid! Oh those greedy players and those poor billionaire owners.
Hopefully this gets worked out to Zack’s satisfaction. He’s the “anchor” of that Offensive Line. Normally a quiet professional that just does his job ans does it well. Cheap Skate Stephen Jones better get off his ass and realize how much the Cowboys need this guy! Tyron Smith will get hurt playing catch with his kids next week and miss the season. They’re going to need Zack Martin even more. Just make him the highest paid Guard in the League and get it over with. Waive Tyron Smith’s big sorry ass and give his salary to Zack.
and this is one of the many wonderful ways jerrah makes lots of money and the team comes up just short…..again….then we all get hyped up for 24. more of the same or rise to the occasion gm. which will it be under the big top???