Zack Martin might force the Dallas Cowboys to make one of the toughest decisions in years after latest message from All-Pro
When Dallas Cowboys right guard Zack Martin brought up the possibility of retirement last offseason, it took few by surprise. Martin, who had already faced retirement rumors in the past had just held out for a contract extension the year prior, a first in his career. The extension in question only secured him an additional season […]
When Dallas Cowboys right guard Zack Martin brought up the possibility of retirement last offseason, it took few by surprise.
Martin, who had already faced retirement rumors in the past had just held out for a contract extension the year prior, a first in his career. The extension in question only secured him an additional season with the Cowboys (2024). The exit was there should he want to take it.
But what if Martin stays in the highway of his NFL career instead? It could happen. According to the future Hall of Famer, a decision has yet to be made.
Martin told All City DLLS he'll make a decision on his future once his ankle rehab is complete following surgery, reaffirming what he said last year when he was shut down for the season due to an injury he had been dealing for since early in the season. He added the final decision could come in 4-6 weeks.
Martin's comments make the plot thicken considering most fans and media members have considered retirement the most likely outcome to this story.
The elephant in the room? Martin is hitting free agency in March, meaning a return to Dallas is a decision for the front office as much as it is his. There's no doubt in my mind Martin would land an opportunity with an NFL team should he look for it.
“I think people forget I’m a free agent too," Martin said via Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins. "I figure out if I am, where I’m playing and if I’m not, then obviously you guys will hear about that.”
Even though past his prime, he's still a quality starter. However, I'm not sure the Cowboys should want him back.
I'm aware we're talking about an NFL legend here and if the Cowboys were in "win now" mode I could easily make the argument for rolling the dice on Martin despite his recent decline and injuries. But Dallas, one way or another, is rebuilding, putting together a coaching staff it hopes to see evolve in a four-year window.
Is spending on a one-year deal for Martin what the Cowboys need right now? And are we 100% sure he'll be better than Hoffman, with a full training camp working at right guard this time, was last year?
He won't be cheap to bring back and the team was objectively better with right guard Brock Hoffman in the lineup last year, particularly when running the football. Sure, that's partly because Martin was banged up in 2024 but it's difficult to ignore as the Cowboys are expected to feature a diverse running game that will require its guards to be pulling blockers on a consistent basis. Additionally, the ankle injury has to be a concern as Martin approaches 35 years of age later this year.
Think about it this way, out of the following pending free agents, where does Martin rank? DeMarcus Lawrence, Jourdan Lewis, Osa Odighizuwa, Rico Dowdle. I'd argue they all beat Martin on the to-do list.
Martin deserves all the respect in the world. But football is a cold, cold business and as the legendary guard mulls his future, the front office should be gearing up for making the difficult decision.
