The Dallas Cowboys are facing significant changes this offseason, with Brian Schottenheimer taking over as head coach and 8 starters set to become free agents in March. However, one prominent starter, Zack Martin, has informed the team of his plans to retire after 11 years in the league. Martin, a 7-time All-Pro guard, is considered one of the greatest linemen of his era and a probable Pro Football Hall of Famer.
The retirement of Martin leaves a significant hole in the Cowboys’ offensive line, which will need to be filled. One option is to stick with last year’s stand-in, Brock Hoffman, who graded out at 66.3 from Pro Football Focus. However, another option is to target Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler, who is set to become a free agent. Zeitler, 34, had a strong season last year, garnering an 86.8 grade from PFF, and could be a viable upgrade over Hoffman.
Zeitler’s potential contract, projected at $6.25 million, could be a bargain for the Cowboys if he continues to play at a high level. However, the team’s tight cap situation may make it difficult to add an aging player, even if he is a stop-gap solution. The Cowboys will need to weigh their options carefully and decide whether to take a chance on Hoffman, sign Zeitler, or explore other options to address the hole left by Martin’s retirement.
The retirement of Martin also has implications for the Cowboys’ other linemen, including rookie Tyler Guyton, who struggled in his first year. If Guyton’s play doesn’t improve, the team may need to move Pro Bowler Tyler Smith out to tackle, leaving a hole at guard. The Cowboys will need to find a way to address the trenches and rebuild their offensive line in the wake of Martin’s retirement.