Andrew Buller-Russ
Since coming into the league as the 14th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft, Zack Martin has pretty much always been one of the best offensive guards in football. He’s been either a first or second-team All-Pro selection in eight of his nine seasons. The only time he wasn’t, Martin was limited to just ten games due to injury.
But now Martin is 32, and he wants a new contract. He has just two years left on his current deal and is set to rake in $13.5 million in cash this season, but it’s possible the longtime vet wants a small raise while also receiving more long-term financial security from the Cowboys with an extension.
We know Martin didn’t show up to Cowboys training camp, and by the sounds of it, he has no plans to without a new deal. On Wednesday, his head coach, Mike McCarthy, opened up about the ongoing contract dispute with his most important offensive lineman.
“My father always told me, and I think it’s true, you never talk about another man’s money, and most importantly, never talk about your own. It’s business, and Zack needs to focus on that. We all respect that. We don’t feel any differently about him. He’s always going to be a leader of our football team. But this is a business situation.”
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on Zack Martin’s contract
McCarthy clearly doesn’t want to get involved, at least not publicly, and who can blame him? There’s really no way to win here.
If he makes glowing remarks about the caliber of player Martin is and what he adds to the locker room, well, that just gives his agency more ammo at the negotiation table.
If Martin tries to take the Cowboys’ side, well, that runs the risk of alienating the coach against Martin and the rest of the locker room, plus the fanbase. Basically, McCarthy didn’t really have a choice but to toe the line here.
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