Dallas Cowboys: Why Zack Martin is the team’s new hope

Now that the Dallas Cowboys handed Zack Martin an $84 million contract, let’s discuss the pros and cons of the signing. Spoiler alert: There are no cons.

Some pairs are meant to be. The Dallas Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving every year. Quarterback Roger Staubach and his iconic number 12 jersey. Or, how about the significance of a wide receiver sporting the 88 number in Dallas?

Six months into 2018, the lingering questions around the Cowboys organization is how they’ll compete with the Super Bowl Champions. In some circles, some question how an organization that last won a Super Bowl in 1995 can even last with the young juggernauts.

Those are legit questions. And while it’s true that the Cowboys have meddled around some 8-8 seasons, one and done playoff scenarios, the truth has a positive outlook.

After guard Zack Martin‘s contract extension, which was an $84 million contract with $40 million guaranteed over six years, the Cowboys have all but locked down their best route to a Super Bowl.

Of course, nobody is saying Martin is the central authority to a Super Bowl run. But with him on the boat, the Cowboys got a compass to some Super Bowls.

With Martin’s credentials, nobody is confusing the word hope with hype. This isn’t a Johnny Manziel type of headline, and for the sake of Cowboys Nation, that’s a wonderful thing.

Manziel is out there planning his return trip to the big leagues. Martin received a big paycheck.

And while Martin will never command the attention of someone like Jason Witten or Dez Bryant, let’s not forget that some of the very best players in this sport never had to touch a football to prove their status.

With the 27-year-old on board, the Cowboys have nominated their version of Luke Skywalker from Star Wars: A New Hope. Of course, Martin won’t be the guy dashing around the galaxy with a blue Lightsaber.

But with Tony Romo, Jason Witten and Dez Bryant no longer among the stars, the Cowboys are sparked by someone who is pregnant with Hall of Fame credentials. Not only is Martin one of the very best at his position in the NFL today, he has the talent to surpass the great Larry Allen, which is a landmark statement itself.

He may not be the loudest locker roommate or have the type of charisma that tags NFL cameras on Sundays, the guy though, like Jason Witten, can teach a thing or two about how to play the game.

In his four seasons in the league, Martin has made the Pro Bowl each year. He made the First-Team All-Pro twice and the Second Team All-Pro twice as well. He started every game since 2014, 64 regular season games total.

In contrast, Manziel started in only eight games since 2014. He went six spots after Martin.

Clearly, the Cowboys are richer by making Martin rich. Sometimes, the best leaders aren’t the ones slinging forward passes or hauling in unbelievable catches. Sometimes, the big fella deserves his spotlight too.

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Anyways, isn’t it guys like Zack Martin who protect so quarterbacks can sling footballs? So receivers can make those unbelievable catches? Cheers to you, Martin. Say hello to the Dallas Cowboys’ new hope.