It’s uncommon for NFL linemen to be traded at the league’s annual deadline, primarily because a line must develop cohesion, leveraging each other’s strengths and compensating for weaknesses. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, there have been more weaknesses than strengths.
This context makes a suggestion from USA Today’s Cowboys Wire particularly interesting. Amid discussions about potential trade acquisitions to address the team’s issues, it might be wise to consider this season a reset year. In that light, selling valuable players could be the best course of action.
Players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb are not on the trading block. However, outside of these stars, right guard Zack Martin stands out as one of the Cowboys’ best players. He has been a starter since his rookie season in 2014, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and seven All-Pro honors.
Now may be the right time to explore trading him.
Cowboys Going Young Up Front
At 33, Martin’s performance has declined this season, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of just 68.1, ranking him 29th out of 79 tackles in the NFL. Contributing factors include the influx of youth on the offensive line, with rookie Cooper Beebe stepping in at center and fellow rookie Tyler Guyton at left tackle, as well as a change in scheme.
However, age is also a factor. It might be beneficial for both Martin and the Cowboys to facilitate a trade that allows him a chance to compete for a title while netting a draft pick for the team. Analyst KD Drummond noted in his piece, “5 Cowboys who Jerry Jones should consider trading before deadline”:
“Martin is not the same player who has been considered the best in the league for the majority of his career. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer who has set the standard for interior line play for his generation. At this point, he’s still well above replacement level and there’s a very strong chance his decline is related to the scheme he’s being asked to play under Mike Solari.
“A fresh start could easily see a career rejuvenation.”
Zack Martin a Plug-&-Play OL Option
Trading an offensive lineman mid-season is challenging, but Martin’s talent and experience make him an exception—a plug-and-play option for teams needing improved performance up front.
If the Cowboys are serious about rejuvenating their line, trading Martin could be a strategic first step.
