Martin’s arrival comes at a good time for an offensive line that has been in the spotlight for the first three weeks of training camp, adding a lift to a position group in need of a major one.
Not only does it return Mike McCarthy’s “best five” offensive linemen to protect Dak Prescott, but it also fixes the team’s biggest concern while making things easier for impending contract extensions with young players.
His contract renegotiation will see him earn more than $18 million in each of the next two seasons, up from $13.5 million in 2023 and $14 million in 2024. With no extension involved in the agreement – just a restructure – it permits the Cowboys to continue and/or begin extension talks with young players like CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Tony Pollard, and others.
When reviewing the deal, be sure that it benefits both parties in the ways that they require. Martin is compensated at the level of the league’s top guards. For Jerry Jones – who stated during negotiations with Martin that they need the money “to pay [Micah] Parsons” – and the front office, the money that will finally be offered to Parsons, Lamb, and others will have no bearing.
Furthermore, the figures indicate that the Cowboys will have nearly $18 million in available cap space in 2023, which may be used to sign free agents at kicker, offensive line, or other positions of need.
Now for the football part.
It’s been a tussle up front during training camp, and that carried into the first preseason game before some players settled in. However, if Martin’s absence was spent studying a prospective successor at right guard and/or identifying a viable depth option at the position, it’s difficult to say either duty was completed.
Having Martin back in the office clearly provides more of a buffer to answer those inquiries, but it also allows the position group’s biggest player-leader to return to concentrate on those chores.
But, when it comes down to it, with cap space flexibility, decreased offensive line fluidity, and sticky negotiations aside, his presence has had the most influence.
On a legendary franchise that has seen some great defenders stand up in the trenches throughout its history, the agreement reached puts one of the best to ever wear The Star back on the field for a season that now has the highest potential to achieve the game’s highest goal.