Nine-time Pro Bowler Zack Martin spoke with Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News this week and opened up about what is next for one of the best to lace them up.
Martin did not make a definitive statement about his future. “I’m not saying 100%, but I think it’s definitely in the realm of possibilities,” Martin said.
Zack said he doesn’t sit around thinking that this will be his last ride, but said he wants to “stay in the moment.”
“I want to play the best that I can play at this point and be the best right guard this team needs on a weekly basis. And then after the season, we’ll figure out what’s going on.”
Cowboys guard Zack Martin is in the final year of his contract. He has no deal for 2025. Of course, retirement is an option for 2025 at the age of 35
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) June 5, 2024
You Never Know
Martin turns 34 in November and enters the final year of his contract. He is still arguably the best guard in all of football.
His play hasn’t fallen off, and he could easily remain in the game for several more years if he chooses. However, he could go out before his play and body deteriorates further.
Last offseason, Martin held out for a contract adjustment. He eventually got the pay bump in mid-August but said the lack of training camp and appropriate ramp-up hindered his play.
I hope this team can give him the run that he deserves. It is crazy how much Hall Of Fame talent this team has run through and just couldn’t get it done.
Zack Martin pic.twitter.com/W6SUKWKTXq
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 4, 2024
Martin has done everything a future Hall of Famer can do outside of winning a Super Bowl.
He has more Pro Bowls than holding calls for gosh sake, the dude is a flat-out stud.
Model Of Consistency
Martin appeared in 15 games this past season and started in all of them. Even though he didn’t play in a few games, he made first-team All-Pro.
He’s appeared in 152 games and has made the same number of starts since the Cowboys picked him in the 2014 NFL Draft.
In his ten-year career, Martin has missed just nine games due to injury. You can’t beat that.
Tyron Smith is another player who will end up in the Hall of Fame, but the Cowboys finally moved off him because they just weren’t getting enough games out of him the last few years.
The offensive line for the Cowboys is going to be better than people think this season. I understand they are banking on Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, but Beebe is might be the steal of the draft.
#Cowboys OL Cooper Beebe named best fit at center from 2024 NFL Draft class via @PFF: https://t.co/yXQYdhRrIb pic.twitter.com/oQ4OvCWE4I
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) May 14, 2024
He was a 2023 unanimous All-American, 2022 first-team All-American, and the two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. He can ball.
Offensive line coach Mike Solari told Beebe he would be playing center in the NFL, and he immediately began working at the position after the draft.
Tyler Smith has already shown the talent he could be. If he continues to work his tail off like he has, he could be the next great for this offensive line. Look for T.J Bass to play a big important role also this year.
Either way, with no deal in place for Martin, we have to think about the possibility that his could be his last. What I won’t be happy with is if they let him walk after he has another All-Pro season.
If he struggles for the first time ever, or can’t stay on the field or something, then fine.
Lets see if they can get a deal done with CeeDee Lamb by the end of the summer. He needs to be there. Justin Jefferson just reset the market. This is what happens when Jerry plays around and waits for all the leaves to fall.
