Cowboys Guard Zack Martin Holds Out of Training Camp Seeking Contract Raise
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Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin is holding out of training camp in search of a raise on his current contract. Martin’s contract, which pays him an average of $14 million per year, ranks eighth among all guards in terms of average salary for the duration of the deal. The 32-year-old has two years remaining on his contract.
Martin, who has been widely regarded as one of the best guards in the NFL, has been a vital part of the Cowboys’ offensive line since he was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has earned Pro Bowl honors in eight of his nine seasons, with the only exception being the injury-plagued 2020 campaign.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones addressed Martin’s contract situation, stating, “He’ll come to camp when he comes to camp. There’s no resolution. There are a lot of consequences if he doesn’t. … He’s been at the top of the money all the way through, drafted high and got a lot of money, got a lot of money over the years. It’s just hard to get it all. The bottom line is, nothing needs to happen.”
Jones also pointed out that the team has other young players who need new contracts, with star linebacker Micah Parsons being a notable example. This is why Dallas is hesitant to give Martin a raise at this time.
The holdout comes with consequences for Martin, as he is subject to nonwaivable fines of $50,000 for each day missed of training camp.
As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen how the Cowboys and Martin will resolve their contract dispute. The team certainly values Martin’s contributions to their offensive line, but the financial complexities and other contractual obligations may present challenges in reaching a resolution. Cowboys fans will be eagerly watching to see when Martin ultimately decides to report to camp and how this situation will impact the team moving forward.
Link to original tweet: [Jon Machota of The Athletic](https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1685360860330668032)