Zack Martin Not In Attendance At Cowboys’ Training Camp

In a development which at this point comes as little surprise, the Cowboys’ offensive line will not be at full strength as training camp begins. Zack Martin is not with the team, as noted (on Twitter) by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Multiple reports indicated yesterday that the six-time All-Pro guard did not board the team’s flight to Oxnard, California for camp. That decision comes after it was learned recently that Martin was unsatisfied with his contract status, and the team’s lack of desire to engage in talks on adjustments to his deal other than restructures. That position left open the possibility of a hold out.

Martin, 32, is now subject to daily mandatory fines while he remains absent. His current deal averages $14MM per season, a figure which ranks him outside the top five amongst all NFL guards. That makes his desire for an extension understandable, but with two years remaining on the pact it is likewise easy to see why Dallas has shown little interest in working out a raise.

The former first-rounder delivered another strong season in 2022 and added an eighth Pro Bowl to his resume. He remained durable in the process, suiting up for all 17 regular season games and each of Dallas’ playoff contests. Over the course of his nine-year career, Martin has only missed eight games, helping make him a foundational member of the team’s offense throughout his tenure with the Cowboys.

Dallas has Matt Farniok and Josh Ball in place as options to replace Martin at the RG spot during his absence. Ball saw considerable time there during spring practices, so he may be the favorite for first-team reps until Martin returns. The Cowboys already have an unsettled situation at left guard, owing in large part to the uncertainty of where All-Pro Tyron Smith and 2021 first-rounder Tyler Smith will be used.

The latter two, along with Martin, are certainly amongst the team’s best five linemen. Barring a sudden change in approach on the Cowboys’ part, however, it may be quite some time until each of them are in place together in the build-up to the campaign.