Zack Martin, one of the greatest interior offensive line players in NFL history, has announced his retirement after an illustrious 11-season career with the Dallas Cowboys. According to NFL.com's Tom Pelissero, Martin has informed the Cowboys of his decision to walk away from professional football, marking the end of an era for the team's offensive line.
Martin, a decorated blocker, played out a six-year extension that was adjusted following a 2023 holdout. He was set to become a free agent for the first time, looking ahead to an age-35 season. However, with his retirement, Martin opts not to test the market. This decision will leave a significant gap in the Cowboys' roster and impact the team's financial structure with substantial dead money.
As a key piece of the Cowboys' offensive line alongside fellow first-rounders Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick, Martin emerged as one of the franchise's all-time greats. He earned a remarkable seven first-team All-Pro honors and received nine Pro Bowl invitations, securing his place among the very best in NFL history for any offensive line position. Throughout the Tony Romo and Dak Prescott eras, Martin was a vital contributor to the Cowboys' success.
In 2018, Martin signed a six-year, $84 million contract, granting the Cowboys seven years of control. As the contract approached its end, Martin successfully negotiated two additional years guaranteed, securing $36.85 million during his 2023 holdout. This covered the 2023 and 2024 seasons. With Martin's retirement, the Cowboys will face $26.46 million in dead money.
The Cowboys managed to avoid a void years-driven cap crunch with Prescott, securing a significant extension just before their Week 1 game. Martin's contract was set to void had he not re-signed before the 2025 league year. Although his retirement presents challenges, Martin's decade-long contributions to the team were invaluable. Few teams could boast comparable talent during his tenure.
Martin's seven first-team All-Pro selections match Hall of Famers John Hannah and Randall McDaniel for the most in NFL history among guards. Among guards who began their careers in the 21st century, Martin stands two above anyone else in this regard. Only four offensive linemen—Jim Otto, Ron Mix, Anthony Munoz, and Jim Parker—have more first-team All-Pro placements. Among this elite group, only Munoz started his career after the 1970 merger. A standout member of the 2010s' All-Decade team, Martin is a strong candidate for a Hall of Fame induction in 2030.
Last season, Martin was placed on IR due to an ankle injury, missing seven games, the most in his career. The only seasons where Martin did not achieve a first- or second-team All-Pro distinction were those affected by season-ending injuries (2020, 2024). Despite these setbacks, Martin consistently elevated the Cowboys' offense.
During the Jerry Jones-Will McClay era, Martin, the former No. 16 overall pick, helped lead the Cowboys to six playoff appearances. The team achieved the rare feat of having DeMarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott win rushing titles three years apart, with Elliott adding another crown in 2018. Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle also achieved 1,000-yard rushing seasons during Martin's career, although Dowdle's accomplishment occurred while Martin was sidelined with injury.
Last summer, Martin hinted that the 2024 season might be his last. Despite rumors earlier this month suggesting he was waiting for his injured ankle to heal before making a final decision, Martin ultimately chose not to test the market. With career earnings totaling $111.6 million, Martin joins Tyron Smith in seeing a lengthy contract prevent him from fully maximizing his value.
Aside from Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys have been successful in securing their standout players to long-term deals, with Martin being the last of the Cowboys' Romo- and Prescott-era core blockers to retire. Travis Frederick retired after the 2019 season, and Smith joined the Jets in free agency last year. Martin's departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the Cowboys' history.
