Could Cowboys Signing Super Bowl Standout to Replace Zack Martin?
FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys have a crucial offseason ahead of them. Jerry Jones’ team already encountered some major change before the calendar turned from January to February. That change came from the team’s decision to move on from Mike McCarthy as head coach and promote offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to that post. The first-time head coach has worked quickly to assemble a strong staff around him in recent weeks. While some final names trickle in for the coaching staff, Dallas shifts gears to some necessary personnel moves for the 2025 season. Micah Parsons’ contract extension is front of mind in that regard with the defensive superstar expected to get his deserved pay day this summer. But there are other areas that need actual improvement, namely at wide receiver and running back. Most analysts project Dallas targeting solutions early on in April’s NFL Draft. Staying on the offensive side, the Cowboys will also need to see progress from their offensive line. That is to be expected as they touted two rookie starters across the formation in 2024. Next season though, they may have to find that progress without one of their tenured veterans. While he has not publicly announced his retirement, right guard Zack Martin very well could be done at The Star, meaning the Cowboys will have to work to find a replacement for the future Hall of Famer.
A useful replacement may be found on the free agent marked. Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, heralded as one of the best free agents available this offseason, could a major pickup for the Cowboys. Smith played in all 17 games for the Chiefs this season and earned his first selection to the Pro Bowl. Given his impressive resumé though, Dallas will not have such an easy path to get him.
Multiple sources have indicated that the Chicago Bears will be a player for Smith as Kansas City tries to hold onto their prized lineman. What does that mean for the Cowboys?
Based on what they have shown in recent seasons, it is up for debate whether the Cowboys pursue any marquee free agents at all. Meanwhile, Jones and Cowboys brass posit that the team is focused on winning now, not rebuilding. Smith would not be a major headline-grabber to some. And others would argue that while he played in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs’ six sacks allowed on Patrick Mahomes in the loss to the Eagles makes him something less than a “standout.” However, Smith is an extremely useful replacement for Martin and would represent a move that shows a commitment to winning.
