The Dallas Cowboys will need to find a replacement for right guard Zack Martin this offseason, but they may not find it in the player who could be the most coveted offensive lineman to hit free agency.
FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys the somewhat expected yet nonetheless brutal news last week that Zack Martin intended to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons. Martin represented a significant leadership presence who set a high standard around The Star for the past decade.
His illustrious career consisted of nine Pro Bowl appearances and nine All-Pro selections. Needless to say no Cowboys player in recent history has come close to topping that level of sustained success.
That makes the process of finding his replacement all the more difficult. Martin may have been on the decline last season, but there is no real substitute for the entire package he brought.
Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas
One option fans and analysts had theorized would be for the team to go after Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith. However, that plan may not be a possibility for the Cowboys after a recent development.
According to Chiefs’ insider Nate Taylor, there is a “growing optimism” that Kansas City will re-sign their star guard to a long-term deal in the coming weeks. If that becomes the case, that would mean the Chiefs sacrificing the opportunity to re-sign several other key free agents as they are already strapped for cap space.
Of the significant number of free agents set to hit the market from last year’s team, Smith could demand the largest contract of the lot. The Super Bowl champion guard will be entering his prime in the next few years and may demand a contract to the likes of Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt.
Osa And The money
If that is the case, the Cowboys will have to turn to alternatives in the NFL Draft or elsewhere around the league. Already young and experiencing the growing pains of some developing linemen, there is some risk in using a selection presumably in the later rounds for a Martin replacement.
Brock Hoffman held the role when Martin missed time last season and Dallas has the option to bring him back. But his contract expires in March, meaning he could decide to take his talents elsewhere.
Smith’s anticipated return to Kansas City may put a damper on some initial offseason hopes for Cowboys’ fans. Regardless, Jerry Jones and his staff will need to show some aggression on finding Martin’s replacement as they look to solidify their roster over the next few months.
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