The Dallas Cowboys’ upcoming training camp might be missing a familiar and essential face as Zack Martin, the six-time All-Pro guard and team captain, is reportedly contemplating not reporting to training camp.
According to ESPN Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter in a tweet, Martin’s decision stems from his dissatisfaction with his current contract and the team’s reluctance to restructure it to better reflect his market value.
“Cowboys’ six-time All-Pro guard and team captain Zack Martin is considering not reporting to training camp due to his unhappiness with his contract and the team’s lack of interest in restructuring it, per sources. Martin believes he is “woefully underpaid relative to the market,” the tweet read.
As of Monday, Martin was not on the Cowboys’ chartered flight to LA as the team is preparing to begin training in Oxnard.
“Zack Martin is not on the Cowboys’ chartered flight to LA Monday, but that does not mean the All-Pro guard will not report to training camp on time just yet. The flight is not mandatory and players have until Tue. to report for the official start of camp,” said Todd Archer, ESPN NFL Nation Reporter said, in a tweet.
With the team’s reported lack of interest in addressing the disparity, the star guard is contemplating drastic action as a show of his frustration.
The 31-year-old veteran is slated to earn nearly $7 million less this season than the league’s highest-paid guards.
This significant gap has cast a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career and unwavering commitment to the team.
The Pro Bowl guard has two years remaining on the six-year, $84 million deal he signed back in 2018.
Zack Martin’s prowess on the field is unquestionable, having earned the coveted All-Pro title six times.
He is also team captain, and his leadership and contributions have been instrumental in the Cowboys’ success over the years.
Martin is poised to secure a paycheck of $13.5 million in 2023 and is a noteworthy contrast to the substantial $105.2 million, five-year extension inked by Chris Lindstrom, the one-time Pro Bowl guard for the Atlanta Falcons.
Lindstrom’s contract serves as a market-resetting deal for players in his position, adding to the disparity, Martin’s current contract no longer includes any remaining guaranteed money, presenting a challenging situation for the Cowboys’ star guard and team captain.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Dallas as the saga surrounding Zack Martin’s contract dispute continues to evolve.
Joshua Carter