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5 Cowboys on Thin Ice Following Trade Deadline

Even though the NFL trade deadline is over, these five Dallas Cowboys players are still on thin ice during the second half of the 2024 season.

By Devon Platana

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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4. Zack Martin, OG

There's no denying what Zack Martin has accomplished throughout his illustrious NFL career. The former Notre Dame blocker has been one of the league's best guards since being drafted 16th overall by the Cowboys in 2014, proven by his being named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in nine of his 10 previous seasons.

Unfortunately, players begin to decline when they reach a certain age and that appears to be happening with Dallas' 33-year-old fan favorite. After earning a reputation for being one of the NFL's top guards, Martin played to 64.2 pass block (35th) and 60.0 run block (51st) grades in the first half of the season.

For reference, he finished the 2023 campaign with PFF grades of 75.1 and 62.3, respectively.

Cowboys fans knew that Martin couldn't remain elite forever, but his declining play has been a factor in his team's struggles to run the ball this year. Dallas' offensive line is also relatively young, meaning the veteran guard can't afford to add to the list of mistakes that his younger teammates are already making.

The 2025 season marks the final year of Martin's contract, leaving time to tell if he'll choose to play another season or hang up his cleats. If he's leaning toward the latter and wants to finish his career in Dallas, he must find a way to get back to blocking at a high level.

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