5 Cowboys Leaving Dallas in the New Year

4. Zack Martin

The Cowboys selected Zack Martin with the 16th pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Since then, Martin has been a stalwart at right guard for the Cowboys. Throughout his 11-year career, Martin has earned All-Pro honors nine times and been selected to nine Pro Bowls.

Unfortunately, the 34-year-old was placed on injured reserve on December 9 due to an ankle injury. Martin also seemingly played through a shoulder injury this season. These injuries limited Martin to ten games in 2024.

Although Martin still has one year left on his contract, his status for next season is still very much in question. The most likely outcome for Martin at the conclusion of this season is that he retires. While calling it a career after an injury isn't something most athletes do it might be smart for Martin.

Given that Martin's body is deteriorating, and his play has dropped off, it's better to be well-remembered when you retire.

On the other hand, if Martin decides to continue playing, the Cowboys could look to cut him. If Martin were to be cut, the Cowboys would take on a $10.655 million cap hit. That's a decent amount of money for a team that needs all the money that it can get.

Additionally, the Cowboys cutting Martin is unlikely, given how much everyone respects him. Yes, the NFL is still a business, but I don't think Jones would disrespect a Cowboys legend in Martin like that.

However this ends up playing out, Martin will always have a special place in Cowboys fans' hearts.