How Cowboys' Zack Martin proved an NFL rule doesn't apply to him
During Zack Martin's holdout from Dallas Cowboys practice, there was a lot of talk about how much money the six-time All-Pro was losing due to fines for missing training camp. The fines, mandated by the NFL, can't be wiped out during negotiations for a new deal like in years past. That was one of the […]
During Zack Martin's holdout from Dallas Cowboys practice, there was a lot of talk about how much money the six-time All-Pro was losing due to fines for missing training camp.
The fines, mandated by the NFL, can't be wiped out during negotiations for a new deal like in years past. That was one of the biggest changes from the 2020 CBA given pretty much every player who reached a reworked deal had his fines erased as part of the negotiation. In an effort to limit that practice, the league determined that league veterans couldn't have fines automatically removed.
As such, Zack Martin owed $1 million in fines by the time he showed up to put pen to paper on his new contract. That part of the story seemed to be portrayed by many as a huge problem for the right guard. Yet, with a hearty laugh, Martin quickly explained why that never mattered for somebody like him.
"That's how I justified to myself," Martin told reporters on Tuesday before setting up a big laugh. "If I got this done, I would make more money than I would be losing money."
Not only is the laugh wholesome as heck to hear but what Martin is saying goes well beyond simple arithmetic. It all comes down to the fact that he undeniably is one of the two best players on the Cowboys roster. And with four All-Pros in the last five years, there was never a doubt he was going to get a new deal from the front office.
That's the status the future Hall of Famer has reached entering his tenth year in the NFL. When you're that certain you're going to get what you want, because you've left no room for questions on whether or not you deserve it, the fines simply don't matter. Martin was always guaranteed to make up for it in negotiations.
"I've been here a long time," Martin said. "I think I've accomplished some good things and at the end of the day this is something I felt I earned and deserved."
With the new contract, Martin essentially received an $8.5 million raise over the next two years as he'll be owed $36 million instead of $27.5 million. Not only that but it's also fully guaranteed. Before, he was guaranteed zero dollars from his 2024 salary, per Over the Cap.
It's important to note Martin and the Cowboys seemingly reached a very fair compromise. He didn't ask to become the highest-paid guy in his position, even though he likely could've if he wanted to hold out a little longer. Ultimately, judging by the fact that he met Jerry Jones face-to-face, Martin badly wanted to be back. Now he is.
"My head hurt last night because I was smiling and laughing so much all day," Martin said. "It was great to see these guys."
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Featured image via Dallas Cowboys YouTube
