Do you think Zack Martin will return to the Cowboys in 2025?
The Dallas Cowboys have a long list of free agents who will officially hit the open market in a little over two months. Of those, six or seven were significant contributors in 2024, meaning the Cowboys have some difficult decisions ahead of them in the next two months.
We continue our free agent profile series as we examine a player coming off the most challenging season of his Cowboys’ career, veteran guard Zack Martin.
Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
2024 Regular Season Stats: 10G, 24 Pressures Allowed, 18 QB Hurries Allowed, 5.0 Sacks Allowed, 96.4 Pass Blocking Efficiency, 63.3 Run-Block Grade, 62.0 Pass-Block Grade
Year Review: Zack Martin came into the 2024 season still playing at a high level despite his advanced age. Martin had been named a First-Team All-Pro for each of the past three seasons, bringing his total to seven All-Pro nominations throughout the course of his 11-year NFL career.
During the three years from 2021-2023, Martin allowed just six sacks over 48 regular season games, an extremely impressive feat. He also had a pass-blocking efficiency rating of 98.2, which is right at his career average over his 11 years in the league.
It was hard to believe Martin could sustain this level of play despite being towards the end of his playing career. The former first-round pick had shown no signs of slowing down and looked capable of playing at a very high level for another three or four years in the league.
Unfortunately, father time caught up with the now 34-year-old this past season as Martin had his most challenging year as a pro. An ankle injury cut the veteran’s season short as he was only able to play in 10 regular season games, tied for the fewest in his career. Over those 10 games, Martin allowed 24 total pressures and five sacks and posted by far the worst pass-blocking grade (62.0) of his time in Dallas. The veteran also had a 96.4 pass-blocking efficiency rating, 1.3 points lower than his previous career-low.
While Martin was not close to a complete liability, he was not the All-Pro-caliber player we saw the three seasons before. The veteran’s season-ending ankle injury brought up questions about his future in the league, and right now, there seems to be no accurate indication if Martin is leaning towards hanging it up or playing one more season.
Free Agency Outlook: This is all a big if, but if Martin does decide he wants to play another season, his services will be coveted by more teams than just the Cowboys. Even with his 2024 struggles, Martin still brings much to the table. His experience, leadership, and ability to help a young offensive line are just a few things that would make Martin an attractive free-agent option for other teams.
When looking at a potential contract, it’s hard to see Martin signing anything other than a one-year deal. The deal signed by now-34-year-old guard Kevin Zeitler may be a good benchmark when looking at comparable contracts. Zeitler left the Baltimore Ravens last offseason to sign a one-year, $6M deal with the Detroit Lions. Martin may be able to earn a slightly higher AAV based solely on his reputation around the league, but with his advanced age and injury concerns, he likely won’t get much more than Zeitler did.
Cowboys Verdict: If Martin does return to play another season, it’s hard to envision him doing so anywhere else but Dallas. While that seems likely right now, many said the same thing about Cowboys’ great Tyron Smith before he walked away last offseason.
With no clear replacement plan at right guard, the Cowboys would likely welcome Martin back for one more season if he decides he wants to give it another go. Bringing Martin back would allow Dallas to spend premium draft capital on positions other than the offensive line.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to Martin and his willingness to play another season. His injury issues this season and comments before the start of the 2024 campaign make it seem likely he’s ready to hang it up. If that is the case and Martin is ready to ride off into the sunset, he will go down as one of the best guards in NFL history.
Prediction: Zack Martin retires after an 11-year NFL career