Irish In The NFL: Zack Martin Is On The Verge Of A Big Payday

Former Notre Dame lineman Zack Martin has been one of the best offensive lineman in the NFL since he began his professional career. It looks like he’s about to be paid like it.

Since the day he arrived at Dallas Cowboy headquarters in Frisco, TX, former Notre Dame standout Zack Martin established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise and a very large part of Dallas’ offensive identity.

The Cowboys have had a top-ten rushing offense during each of Martin’s first four years with the team and have been No. 2 in the category for three of those seasons. The offensive line is the strength of the Cowboys, and Martin is the strength of the offensive line.

Pro Football Focus ranked Martin as the No. 2 guard overall in 2017 and the No. 3 offensive lineman overall.

The Cowboys recognize his importance to both the present and foreseeable future of the franchise, which was evident when they picked up his $9.341 million option in 2017.

Heading into the 2018 campaign, it’s apparent that Zack Martin is well aware of his worth to the Dallas Cowboys:

All signs point to a deal getting done before the 2018 season begins. That deal should make Martin the highest paid guard in the National Football League.

This would behoove both Zack Martin and the Cowboys. Dallas is entering a season without either Dez Bryant, Jason Witten or Tony Romo on its roster for the first time since 2003. Suffice to say, it could take a while for the passing game to get back to where it needs to be in order for Dallas to contend by the end of the season.

Until that time comes, the Cowboys will rely heavily on Ezekiel Elliott and the rushing attack — of which Martin is very much the catalyst.

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And until the two sides can site down at a negotiating table, Zack Martin continues to sit out of workouts, yet remains involved and present on the Cowboy campus.

This amicable agreement is a good sign for both sides.