Cooper Neill/Getty Image
The Dallas Cowboys are facing an unexpected challenge as star Offensive Guard Zack Martin remains absent from the team’s Training Camp due to a contract dispute.
Martin’s holdout has now led to fines amounting to over $500,000, per Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins.
At 32 years old, Martin is a key figure in the Cowboys’ offensive line and is widely regarded as one of the best at his position.
The fines, which tally at $50,000 per day, have accrued as a result of Martin’s unexcused absence from the team’s training activities. As his holdout continues, the financial consequences for Martin are becoming increasingly substantial.
The contract stalemate has raised eyebrows across the league, particularly due to the lack of any reported contract extension discussions between Martin’s agent and the Cowboys.
The lack of communication suggests that both parties remain at an impasse, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Watkins reports that close to the situation indicate that Martin’s primary motivation for seeking a new contract is to secure a raise from his current average annual salary of $14 million.
The current figure places him as the 10th highest-paid guard in the NFL. However, Martin is aiming for a considerable increase, targeting a salary close to $20 million.
His aspirations align with the current market trends, where top guards like Chris Lindstrom of the Atlanta Falcons ($20.5 million) and Quenton Nelson of the Indianapolis Colts ($20 million) are commanding higher average salaries.
Despite the ongoing contract drama, Zack Martin’s reputation as a consummate professional and an integral part of the Cowboys’ offensive line remains intact.
His commitment to the team’s success is unquestionable, though his current absence has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations for the upcoming season.