Time is running out for the Dallas Cowboys to lift a finger at the NFL trade deadline. Could they still do something unfathomable?
At 3-4, Dallas has an uphill battle in a tough NFC playoff picture this season. A loss last week to the San Francisco 49ers not only put them under .500, but created a tiebreaker scenario that could work against them if they do somehow crawl back into the race.
It’s probably unlikely that the Cowboys will outright punt on the season, because they have too much pride (and too much money invested in quarterback Dak Prescott). But punt or no punt, would it be wise to think about shedding some payroll in exchange for a draft pick?
Future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin is under contract for $15.5 million this season and $10.5 million in 2025. If the Cowboys are looking to move on from Martin, Chris Partee of FanSided suggested they could trade him at this year’s deadline in a last-minute surprise.
“Martin’s prime is clearly behind him although he does something left in the tank,” Partee said. “The offensive line hasn’t been good this year and moving on from the 33-year-old Martin would clear some cap space and potentially net a decent draft pick or two. It would most likely be mid-to-latest round draft picks but the Cowboys aren’t in a position to be super picky.”
Martin’s accomplishments are numerous: He’s a nine-time Pro Bowler, a seven-time first-team All-Pro, and a member of the 2010s All-Decade team. A player with that type of resume will always have a special place in franchise lore, so it’s hard to fathom cutting ties with that player.
That said, Martin could be itching for another chance at a championship, seeing as that’s practically the only thing missing from his resume. He probably still believes he can win one in Dallas, but if he somehow doesn’t, it would be reasonable to grant his wish to go elsewhere.
