Zack Martin: Where Will He Play Next?

Zack Martin, the veteran guard for the Cowboys, is facing a big decision about his future in football. After a tough 2024 season, limited to just 10 games due to an ankle injury, he is now six weeks into recovery from surgery. Martin’s ankle problem was a major issue last season. It made it hard for him to play and moved around like he usually does. He was unable to push off from the ankle and block defenders as effectively. The seven-time All-Pro guard is not sure what he will do next. He could retire, continue to play for the Cowboys, or even switch to another team. Martin is a free agent, which means he can choose to go where he wants. Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence have been with the Cowboys the longest. Both were drafted in 2014, with Martin being picked in the first round and Lawrence in the second. Martin has had a remarkable career so far, with nine Pro Bowls and 162 career games. He is likely to go to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Over the last couple of seasons, there has been a lot of talk about Martin’s future. Before the 2023 season ended, he even hinted at retirement. He was in his mid-30s, in a contract year, and his health wasn’t where it used to be. Once training camp started, he stopped talking about it and focused on the present. After the 2024 season, where he played only 10 games, the retirement talk started again. Martin’s ankle surgery might have given him a new perspective. He said, "I’m feeling better, I’m six weeks out. I’m not running around right now, but I get around halfway decent. I’m starting to feel a little bit better. " Martin’s health will be a big factor in his decision. If he feels good and can move around well, he might consider another season. But first, he needs to pass some physical checkmarks. He understands that the NFL is a business, and players are often replaced. Martin is not the only Cowboy facing uncertainty. DeMarcus Lawrence, another long-time player, is also in free agency. However, it seems unlikely that Lawrence will stay with the Cowboys. Martin, on the other hand, might stay if he feels he can still play well and is excited about the new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer. Brian Schottenheimer, who is taking over as the new head coach. Martin is happy for Schottenheimer, who has been a coordinator his whole life and is hungry to be a head coach. He said, "He’s hungry to be a head coach. He’s been a coordinator his whole life and he grew up in this football world. I’m really happy for him and his family. " The NFL is a business where players are sometimes replaced without much thought. Players like Tyron Smith, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper have all moved to new teams. It’s likely that Brock Hoffman, who played right guard last season, will continue to do so. For now, Martin is focused on getting healthy and then deciding what to do. He said, "I think it’s get healthy, just because a lot of that goes into how you feel. " It’s hard to imagine Martin playing anywhere else, but if he decides to retire, it will be a significant loss for the Cowboys and the NFL.