4 Cowboys Who Wouldn't Survive a 2025 Rebuild

3. RG Zack Martin

Whenever a franchise begins a rebuild, older players tend to be the first ones to go. That's why I wouldn't be shocked if the Cowboys traded right guard Zack Martin if Dak leaves.

Martin, 33, remains as one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen ever since making his debut in 2014. To understand his dominance, the ex-Notre Dame blocker has been named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in nine of his 10 career seasons with the only time he failed to do so coming when he missed the final five games of the 2020 regular season due to a calf strain.

Martin's elite play resulted in his being awarded a six-year, $84 million contract extension ($40 million guaranteed) in 2018, making him the league's highest-paid guard at the time.

While it's hard to imagine a time when Martin wasn't on the Cowboys, his run could be coming to an end. There are only two more seasons remaining on his monster deal, meaning he'll hit free agency at the end of the 2025 campaign.

If the Cowboys want to avoid losing the elite guard for nothing, they could attempt to trade him next offseason. It'd be an example of the franchise doing right by a loyal player who's still looking to taste the glory that a Super Bowl victory brings. Martin isn't getting any younger, so sticking around for a rebuild might shut the door on any chances he has left.

Considering how the Cowboys had no issue walking away from Tyron Smith this offseason, Martin might not wind up being a Cowboy for life if a rebuild begins