Irish in the NFL: Zack Martin is Worth Every Penny
Zack Martin has dominated opposing defensive linemen since being drafted in 2014, and his elite level of play has recently earned him a well-deserved contract extension.
Zack Martin has been a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboy offensive line since entering the league four years ago. Martin has established himself as one of the best guards in the NFL. This led to a much-deserved payday.
Fresh off of signing a six-year extension worth up to $84 million, with $40 million guaranteed, Martin has secured himself as the highest paid guard in the NFL. The deal surpassed that of Kevin Zeitler of the Cleveland Browns.
Taken with the 16th pick in the 2014 Draft, Martin has not only dominated since day one, he’s done so in historic fashion. Martin has started every game since 2014 (64 straight if you’re counting). That puts him 3rd all-time for consecutive starts by an offensive lineman to begin a career.
He has made the Pro Bowl in all four seasons as a professional. This includes being a First Team All-Pro in both 2014 and 2016. He was a Second Team All-Pro in 2015 and 2017. Martin’s First Team All-Pro selection in 2014 made him the first offensive lineman to earn the honor as a rookie since 1947.
Lastly, if these honors weren’t enough proof of Martin’s value and elite talent, just check the numbers.
In the two years before drafting Martin, Dallas averaged 86.5 rushing yards/game. That put them almost dead last in the NFL during that time period.
In the four years since drafting Martin, Dallas has averaged 136.5 rushing yards per game. During that time, thy have finished 2nd in the league in rushing yards per game three times.
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At the end of the day, it isn’t surprising Martin inked such a huge deal based on his historic production thus far. He is a generational talent that anchors one of the best offensive lines in football. Expect him to be dominating trenches in the NFL for a very long time.