Dallas Cowboys Guard Zack Martin Holds Out of Training Camp Amid Contract Dispute
Jul 25, 2023, 01:31 PM ET
Dallas Cowboys’ six-time All-Pro guard and team captain, Zack Martin, has chosen not to report for the start of training camp due to the team’s lack of interest in restructuring his contract, according to a source close to the situation. This development raises concerns about Martin’s future with the team and the potential impact on the Cowboys’ offensive line.
Martin is currently scheduled to earn approximately $7 million less this season compared to the highest-paid guards in the NFL. Players like Chris Lindstrom of the Falcons and Quenton Nelson of the Colts are at the top of the list, earning an average of $20 million per season. Considering Martin’s exceptional performance and leadership on the field, it is understandable why he feels undervalued.
Last season marked Martin’s sixth first-team All-Pro selection, solidifying his status as one of the most productive players in the league. Despite being 32 years old, Martin continues to excel and contribute significantly to the Cowboys’ success. He boasted an impressive 96% pass block win rate, allowing only three sacks, which ranked him eighth in the league. Additionally, his 73.8% run block win rate showcased his dominance in both aspects of the game.
Negotiations between the Cowboys and Martin’s representatives began during the NFL combine in February. The discussions revolved around potentially reworking Martin’s current seven-year, $93.41 million deal signed in 2018. While brief, these talks indicated a mutual interest in finding a solution that satisfies both parties.
In March, the Cowboys restructured Martin’s contract for the fifth consecutive year to create salary cap space. They converted nearly $12 million of his $13.5 million base salary into a signing bonus. As a result, Martin’s cap figure for next year exceeds $23 million. This restructuring strategy has allowed the Cowboys to manage their finances effectively but has also contributed to Martin’s dissatisfaction with his current contract.
The Cowboys are currently focused on securing contract extensions for two other Pro Bowlers, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs. They also aim to extend the deal for right tackle Terence Steele, who is recovering from a significant knee injury. These ongoing negotiations further complicate the situation, as the team must allocate their resources wisely to retain key players.
Martin’s absence from training camp raises questions about his commitment to the team and his long-term future in Dallas. Despite missing only eight games throughout his career, Martin has been named to the Pro Bowl eight times. His exceptional performance and leadership make him an invaluable asset to the Cowboys’ offensive line.
It is worth noting that the only guard in team history with more Pro Bowl appearances than Martin is Hall of Famer Larry Allen, who earned nine selections. This statistic further emphasizes Martin’s significance to the Cowboys’ organization and highlights the potential impact of his holdout.
The Cowboys’ front office must now navigate this contract dispute delicately to ensure a resolution that satisfies both parties. Martin’s absence from training camp could potentially disrupt team chemistry and impact the offensive line’s performance. The Cowboys will need to address this issue promptly to avoid any long-term consequences.
In conclusion, Zack Martin’s decision to hold out of training camp due to a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys raises concerns about his future with the team. As a highly decorated and productive player, Martin feels undervalued compared to other top-paid guards in the league. The Cowboys must find a solution that addresses Martin’s concerns while also managing their financial obligations to other key players. The resolution of this contract dispute will significantly impact the team’s chemistry and performance on the field.