Star guard Zack Martin has been a fixture on the Dallas Cowboys offensive line for years, but the seven-time All-Pro may have played his last snap with America’s Team. A first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Notre Dame product immediately became a fixture along the offensive line while earning a spot on the All-2010s team. Despite his advanced age, the 34-year-old remained a reliable starter, with his 65.6 PFF grade ranking 35th out of 75 eligible players. Unfortunately, the impending free agent suffered a season-ending ankle injury and might join a new team in the offseason.
After promising to go “all-in” in 2024, owner Jerry Jones had one of the cheapest offseasons in the league, extending quarterback Dak Prescott just before the season and doing nothing else of note. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, this doesn’t look like a one-year thing. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones recently told reporters the team will limit their spending in 2025, which means Zack Martin will probably leave the Cowboys for greener pastures. If that happens, look for the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints to pursue the future Hall of Famer.
Zack Martin Has Likely Played His Final Game With the Dallas Cowboys
For the first time since Tom Brady lined up under center, the New England Patriots have hope for the future. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye is having a remarkable season, making impressive throws left and right while compensating for a poor supporting cast and the NFL’s worst offensive line. While the UNC product has endured some growing pains, he should be New England’s quarterback for the next decade and has the tools to develop into a top-10 quarterback.
Finding the quarterback is the most important part of any rebuild, but now New England must surround him with talent. While the entire offense needs a facelift, the Patriots should begin with addressing the offensive line. Michael Onwenu is a decent tackle and a great guard, but the other four starting spots are up for the taking. Zack Martin might want to sign with a win-now team, but the Patriots have the money to outbid the Cowboys and every other organization. Free agents didn’t want to sign with New England last year, but Maye’s presence should make Foxboro a more desired landing spot.
Other Fits
The Baltimore Ravens own one of the league’s most dangerous all-around offenses, and they’re doing it with a glaring hole at guard. While Patrick Mekari has done an adequate job, Daniel Faalele’s play leaves a lot to be desired. Zack Martin should be a welcome addition to this club whose presence will only give Derrick Henry more time to build up a head of steam before bulldozing over opponents. While money might be an issue, perhaps Martin will take a discount to increase his odds of winning a championship before calling it a career.
Nobody is better at navigating the salary cap than the New Orleans Saints, so General Manager Mickey Loomis should find a way to fit Zack Martin on the payroll. Even though the organization fired Dennis Allen, all signs indicate the team will not rebuild and will once again try to go on a deep playoff run with their current cast of veterans. Fixing the offensive line should be the team’s top priority, as nobody could succeed behind this abysmal group. Derek Carr needs a clean pocket to play his best football, and Martin can help provide that.
Main Photo: Andrew Dieb – USA Today Sports
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