Cowboys’ 2025 free agent profile: OG Zack Martin

The Dallas Cowboys have a protracted record of free brokers who will formally hit the open market in just a little over two months. Of these, six or seven have been vital contributors in 2024, that means the Cowboys have some tough choices forward of them within the subsequent two months.

We proceed our free agent profile collection as we look at a participant coming off probably the most difficult season of his Cowboys’ profession, veteran guard Zack Martin.

Andrew Dieb-Imagn Photographs

2024 Common Season Stats: 10G, 24 Pressures Allowed, 18 QB Hurries Allowed, 5.0 Sacks Allowed, 96.4 Cross Blocking Effectivity, 63.3 Run-Block Grade, 62.0 Cross-Block Grade

12 months Overview: Zack Martin got here into the 2024 season nonetheless taking part in at a excessive stage regardless of his superior age. Martin had been named a First-Crew All-Professional for every of the previous three seasons, bringing his whole to seven All-Professional nominations all through the course of his 11-year NFL profession.

In the course of the three years from 2021-2023, Martin allowed simply six sacks over 48 common season video games, an especially spectacular feat. He additionally had a pass-blocking effectivity score of 98.2, which is correct at his profession common over his 11 years within the league.

It was laborious to imagine Martin might maintain this stage of play regardless of being in the direction of the tip of his taking part in profession. The previous first-round choose had proven no indicators of slowing down and seemed able to taking part in at a really excessive stage for an additional three or 4 years within the league.

Sadly, father time caught up with the now 34-year-old this previous season as Martin had his most difficult yr as a professional. An ankle harm lower the veteran’s season quick as he was solely in a position to play in 10 common season video games, tied for the fewest in his profession. Over these 10 video games, Martin allowed 24 whole pressures and 5 sacks and posted by far the worst pass-blocking grade (62.0) of his time in Dallas. The veteran additionally had a 96.4 pass-blocking effectivity score, 1.3 factors decrease than his earlier career-low.

Whereas Martin was not shut to a whole legal responsibility, he was not the All-Professional-caliber participant we noticed the three seasons earlier than. The veteran’s season-ending ankle harm introduced up questions on his future within the league, and proper now, there appears to be no correct indication if Martin is leaning in the direction of hanging it up or taking part in another season.

Free Company Outlook: That is all a giant if, but when Martin does determine he desires to play one other season, his providers will probably be coveted by extra groups than simply the Cowboys. Even along with his 2024 struggles, Martin nonetheless brings a lot to the desk. His expertise, management, and talent to assist a younger offensive line are just some issues that might make Martin a sexy free-agent possibility for different groups.

When a possible contract, it’s laborious to see Martin signing something aside from a one-year deal. The deal signed by now-34-year-old guard Kevin Zeitler could also be an excellent benchmark when comparable contracts. Zeitler left the Baltimore Ravens final offseason to signal a one-year, $6M cope with the Detroit Lions. Martin might be able to earn a barely increased AAV primarily based solely on his popularity across the league, however along with his superior age and harm considerations, he probably gained’t get rather more than Zeitler did.

Cowboys Verdict: If Martin does return to play one other season, it’s laborious to ascertain him doing so wherever else however Dallas. Whereas that appears probably proper now, many stated the identical factor about Cowboys’ nice Tyron Smith earlier than he walked away final offseason.

With no clear substitute plan at proper guard, the Cowboys would probably welcome Martin again for another season if he decides he desires to offer it one other go. Bringing Martin again would enable Dallas to spend premium draft capital on positions aside from the offensive line.

In the end, the choice comes all the way down to Martin and his willingness to play one other season. His harm points this season and feedback earlier than the beginning of the 2024 marketing campaign make it appear probably he’s prepared to hold it up. If that’s the case and Martin is able to journey off into the sundown, he’ll go down as probably the greatest guards in NFL historical past.

Prediction: Zack Martin retires after an 11-year NFL profession