“Dug in” is a phrase no one wants to hear during a negotiation. In fact, such a phrase indicates the absence of negotiation and end of discussion. In this case it indicates the Cowboys are no longer at the table with their All-Pro holdout, Zack Martin.
Martin, 32, was a surprise holdout for the Cowboys this summer. Presumably preoccupied with the pending contracts of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs (since has been completed), Malik Hooker (since has been completed), and more, Dallas likely wasn’t giving their top linemen the attention he felt he deserved.
As arguably the best guard in the NFL, Martin certainly has a valid argument as to why he deserves a raise. With an average yearly salary of $14 million, Martin is now just the eighth highest paid guard in the league. His deal voids in 2025, making his long-term future somewhat undetermined.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Martin is a player the Cowboys can feel fairly good about extending. His cap cost in 2024 balloons to a $23,340,000 figure so it stands to reason the Cowboys would be wise to offer an extension. Adding time can spread the cap cost and make his annual hit more digestible. Yet, the two sides are at odds at the moment and resolution does not appear within sight.
Cowboys insider Bryan Broaddus recently spoke of the Zack Martin situation on his Love of the Star podcast and stated, “They are dug in. They are really dug in,” when discussing the conversations he’s had regarding the Cowboys’ current stance towards Martin.
When Martin signed his six-year, $84 million extension in 2018 it made him the highest paid guard in the NFL. As is the nature of all positions not named running back, the market has grown, and Martin’s once market-setting contract is now just inside the top-10.
At a rate of $50,000 in fines per day, Martin has accumulated over $600,000 in penalties this summer. Financially, things are moving in the wrong direction for Martin.
Things aren’t sunshine and rainbows for the Cowboys either. Their offensive line depth has been underwhelming this summer. Young options like Matt Waletzko, Josh Ball and Chuma Odoga have been disappointing in many ways and don’t appear to be viable alternatives for Martin.
Matt Farniok, Martin’s expected replacement at RG, has been adequate but the disparity between the two players is understandably significant.
The Cowboys are likely playing hardball at the moment because they can. They can recoup up to $9,340,000 of his signing bonus proration in addition to the mounting daily fines. They also know Martin is the type of player who can hit the ground running, meaning they aren’t worried about his play slipping because of a holdout.
The Cowboys are dug in at the moment but it’s not hard to see a win-win solution in the future. Turning 2025 from a void year to a guaranteed year could put more money in Martin’s pocket and ease the cap charge for Dallas in 2024.
Whatever the solution, the Cowboys are a much better team with Martin on the field, making him an important piece for their win-now season.
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