The Dallas Cowboys received the somewhat expected yet still tough news last week that Zack Martin planned to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons. Martin was a key leadership figure who upheld a high standard around The Star for the past decade.
His distinguished career featured nine Pro Bowl selections and nine All-Pro honors. Clearly, no Cowboys player in recent memory has matched that level of prolonged excellence.
This makes the task of replacing him all the more challenging. While Martin may have been on the decline last season, there is no real replacement for the entire package he provided.
One potential option fans and analysts had speculated was for the team to pursue Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith. However, this plan may no longer be viable for the Cowboys following a recent update.
According to Chiefs’ insider Nate Taylor, there is “growing optimism” that Kansas City will secure a long-term deal for their star guard in the near future. Should this happen, the Chiefs would likely have to let go of several other key free agents due to their already limited cap space.
Of the many notable free agents about to hit the market, Smith could command the largest contract of them all. As a Super Bowl-winning guard, he’s entering his prime and might demand a deal similar to that of Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt.
If that occurs, the Cowboys will need to explore alternatives through the NFL Draft or other options across the league. With some young, developing linemen already on the roster, relying on a late-round pick to replace Martin comes with risk.
Brock Hoffman filled in for Martin last season when he was sidelined, and Dallas could opt to bring him back. However, his contract expires in March, which means he could decide to leave for another team.
Smith’s expected return to Kansas City might dampen some initial hopes for Cowboys’ fans this offseason. Regardless, Jerry Jones and his team will need to act decisively in finding Martin’s successor as they look to strengthen their roster over the coming months.
