In a move that was long expected, the Dallas Cowboys have picked up the fifth-year option of offensive lineman Zack Martin. The move was first reported by Field Yates.
Source: the Cowboys have picked up G Zack Martin's 2018 5th year option. It's worth $9.341M.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 18, 2017
Since coming into the league as a first round draft pick back in 2014, Martin has been a solidifying force at guard in Dallas after playing left tackle during his collegiate career. In his first three full seasons as a pro, Martin has been named a Pro Bowler three times, been a first team All-Pro and has started and played in every game of his career so far.
It’s a stark contrast to what could have been for the Cowboys that year in the draft. 2014 was the year that Jerry Jones wanted to take Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel with the first-round pick that year and was “that close” to taking him, but instead for the left tackle out of Notre Dame.
Ryan Shazier also was an option for Dallas, but Pittsburgh ended up with the former Ohio State linebacker right before the Cowboys were in line to pick. Manziel has since been out of the NFL while Shazier has shown potential but has been nagged by injuries during his career.
Picking up the option also puts Martin in line as the next offensive lineman to get a long-term extension with the team. Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick have each gotten those long-term extensions within the last couple of offseasons. This will help further lock up one of the best guards in the NFL but also one of the best offensive lines in the game today.
It’s safe to say that the Cowboys made the right pick that season and now will take the next steps that Martin will stay a Cowboy for the forseeable future.
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