Cowboys already have two potential Zack Martin replacements on the roster: 5 candidates for the job following his retirement
There's no replacing someone like Zack Martin. But the Dallas Cowboys will have to find the right choice a right guard following the retirement of the franchise's icon. And with how fast the NFL moves, it's time to look at options the front office could consider.Some of the potential candidates are already on the roster […]
There's no replacing someone like Zack Martin. But the Dallas Cowboys will have to find the right choice a right guard following the retirement of the franchise's icon. And with how fast the NFL moves, it's time to look at options the front office could consider.
Some of the potential candidates are already on the roster while others could be found in the NFL Draft or even free agency.
Let's dive in!
Brock Hoffman
He has to be the favorite for the job after he filled in for Martin last year and arguably improved the offense as a result. Though it's true the Cowboys legend was banged up, Hoffman provided a spark at guard in large part thanks to his nasty demeanor on the field, giving Dallas an edge in the trenches.
Hoffman is an exclusive rights free agent and in all likelihood will be re-signed by Dallas for a minimum value deal. Though his starting role isn't guaranteed, he's the front runner for now.
T.J. Bass
Bass is considered the better and most refined player between he and Hoffman by multiple analysts and will not go down without a fight next offseason. Expect the third-year player to put up a fight in training camp.
Will Campbell
The first-round draft prospect out of LSU could be a realistic target for the Cowboys at No. 12 overall. Though he's a tackle, his arms are under 33-inches long, which will lead to multiple teams looking at him as a guard in the NFL level.
""There are very few guys that (have less than 33 inches arm length) that are successful offensive tackles at the NFL level," Ryan Roberts said in the A to Z Sports Film Room show. "When you combine the fact that you have sub-33-inch arms and I don't think you have great bend, I prefer (Campbell) inside at guard because I think the power profile, the physicality – I think that's where it's best unlocked."
Kelvin Banks
Unlike Campbell, Banks' arms are over 34-inches. But the offensive tackle out of Texas could be a bully inside. If the Cowboys want people movers at the point of attack as Brian Schottenheimer preaches running the football, he could be the guy. However, if the league looks at Campbell as a guard, Banks would be the top tackle in the draft. It'll be tough to land him at 12th.
Kevin Zeitler
If the Cowboys want to upgrade the OL, they could also make a move in March, though it seems unlikely. There are other free agents that could make sense but at 34 years old, Zeitler is the kind of veteran the Cowboys could target. Pro Football Focus projects his deal at $6.25 million, which is a potential bargain if he keeps up his play. Below is PFF's breakdown of Zeitler:
After spending the past three years in Baltimore, Zeitler joined Detroit, which was a near-seamless fit. His 86.8 PFF overall grade in the regular season was his best since 2014, and his 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade was a career-high mark. The 34-year-old could be a cheap yet effective guard option on the open market.
