Cowboy Assumed to Be Leaving Opens Door for Return After Big Changes

Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Zack Martin has been a staple of the team’s offensive line for the past decade, but many believe his days in Dallas are numbered as he heads toward free agency next spring.

Martin finished the final year of a two-year, $36.8 million contract extension and will look to find one last job on the market. While the 34-year-old is presumed to be on his way out, he left the door open when talking to reporters at the Super Bowl this week.

Zack Martin Leaves The Door Open for a Return to the Cowboys

Martin addressed his future while talking with Cowboys beat reporter Clarence Hill Jr. While he has debated retirement, he is waiting to get his ankle healthy before making a decision. Martin also stated he is “a little bit” excited about the possibility of continuing his career with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams next season.

If Martin decides to return, it will be the continuation of a legendary career with the Cowboys. A first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Martin has become a nine-time Pro Bowler, a seven-time All-Pro, and a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He ranks 30th in franchise history with 162 games played and was still effective on the field, posting a 65.6 overall grade last season according to Pro Football Focus.

But while Martin has an outstanding track record, his performance has slipped over the past four seasons. The Notre Dame product had a career-high 93.4 PFF grade in 2021 but has watched it decline over the past four seasons. Last year was also the lowest grade of his career but he was also dealing with an ankle injury that limited him to 10 games.

No matter what happens, Martin will have a place in Cowboys history. But it would feel a little more comforting if he finished his career in Dallas, which seems like a possibility heading into next season.

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