FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys keyed on a major change this offseason at a crucial time for their franchise. They have moved on from Mike McCarthy and appointed Brian Schottenheimer to the head coaching post. Schottenheimer of course served as the offensive coordinator under McCarthy but brings a different approach and style as he takes on the play calling duties.
His system will be geared toward building a strong run game, a vision made clear in the Cowboys’ strong hires to Schottenheimer’s staff. The issue now for Schottenheimer rests in finding the personnel that will execute his plan. So zeroing in on the offensive side, the Cowboys have most of the necessary pieces.
Dak Prescott remains an elite quarterback with the same going for No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb. But the team’s offensive line and their running back room pose major questions. Much of the focus thus far in the offseason has centered around the latter as the team could pick up their franchise back in this year’s NFL Draft.
Yet, it is the line that has become an underlying concern namely at one spot. Dallas has yet to get official word from Zack Martin on whether he intends to play next season or not with rumors swirling of his potential retirement.
Martin has weathered the wear and tear of an illustrious 11-year career, but he could be on his way out. With Dallas hoping to retool their offensive identity next season, that progression hinges on Martin’s decision. If he chooses to return for one more year, he presumably slots back into his spot at right guard and the Cowboys proceed with Martin and Tyler Smith leading the group as the younger Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton try to take the necessary steps forward.
Assuming he retires, the Cowboys could simply promote Hoffman to that spot before offseason programming begins. Alternatively, they could find their solution through free agency with some viable options projected to be available in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, Martin’s decision will be crucial in shaping the identity of this line as the new Cowboys offense comes together. Dallas could possess a veteran presence leading a budding unit, or have a very young core with limited experience. Either way, it will be a key marker in this Cowboys’ offseason and could be one of the first significant challenges for the new head coach.
