The Cowboys and guard Zack Martin aren’t expected to reach agreement on an extension in the near future, as negotiations won’t begin “in earnest” until later this summer, reports Todd Archer of ESPN.com.
The lack of urgency between Dallas and Martin isn’t entirely surprising, as the Cowboys control the All Pro offensive lineman through 2018 after exercising his fifth-year option earlier this year. But executive VP Stephen Jones called an eventual Martin extension a “big priority,” and Martin himself is in favor of a long-term deal.
“It would be huge,” Martin said. “I’m not real worried about that. I’m worried about playing. Obviously I’ll be here for hopefully a long time. These guys make it fun to come to work every day…Hopefully we can get something done.”
Martin, 26, has started all 48 games since joining Dallas three years ago, and has emerged as one of the league’s best guard on one of the NFL’s finest offensive lines. Playing alongside talents such as left tackle Tyron Smith and center Travis Frederick — each of whom are signed to long-term deals — Martin graded as the third-best guard of 2016, per Pro Football Focus.
As Archer notes, the Cowboys picked up $14MM in cap space today when Tony Romo‘s post-June 1 release was officially processed, but that savings doesn’t figure to be immediately utilized on a Martin extension. Based on Dallas’ precedents, Martin’s new deal figures to be “cap neutral,” meaning his 2017 cap charge won’t be altered.
Romo’s Release! It’s the only good thing on this article!