The Dallas Cowboys were hit with devastating, albeit expected, news on Thursday when Zack Martin informed the team he plans to retire from the NFL. The announcement puts a bow on a career that will culminate with an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A first-round pick in 2014, Martin is one of the best offensive lineman of his generation. He was a first-team All-Pro in seven of his 11 seasons, which is tied with Bob Lilly and Hall of Famer Randy White for the most in team history, and a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team.
Martin will be first eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023. Voters will be hard-pressed not to pencil him in as a first-ballot inductee.
There will be plenty of time to reflect on Martin's esteemed career. In the meantime, his retirement creates another hole on a roster that is leaking oil at myriad positions.
The Cowboys will have to balance plugging those holes between free agency and the draft. If the defer to the former to replace Martin, there is one player who is crying out to be signed.
Cowboys can sign Mekhi Becton to replace the retired Zack Martin
Seven-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin has informed the #Cowboys that he plans to retire, sources tell The Insiders.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 20, 2025
One of the greatest linemen of his era and a probable Pro Football Hall of Famer, Martin walks away at age 34. pic.twitter.com/M4RqV7VoB8
Fresh off winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mekhi Becton springs to mind as an ideal Martin replacement.
The Jets drafted Becton No. 11 overall in 2020 to be their franchise left tackle. That plan went up in smoke as Becton struggled to stay on the field and was inconsistent when healthy.
READ MORE: Cowboys legend Zack Martin officially retires after amazing 11-year career
Becton was adamant about sticking at LT with New York. With his career on life support, he commendably made the switch to guard with the Eagles last season and enjoyed a resurgent campaign, one that has him set up to be rewarded in free agency.
Becton logged over 900 snaps across 15 starts for Philly, posting a 74.7 run-blocking grade while allowing just three sacks and 25 pressures. He committed just four penalties all season.
While Becton's job was undoubtedly made easier by playing on arguably the best offensive line in football, he looked the part of an above-average starter with more potential to tap into as he gains more experience at the position.
Still just 25 years old, Becton can be a staple of Dallas' offensive line alongside star left guard Tyler Smith, who won't turn 24 until April and second-year center Cooper Beebe. The jury is still out on Tyler Guyton at left tackle, but he's a talented ball of clay that needs more molding.
PFF projects Becton to sign for $9 million per year this offseason. That might be a little steep for Dallas' liking, but he would also provide insurance at both tackle positions (he played over 100 snaps at RT with the Jets in 2023). That undoubtedly ups his value.
He's smack in the middle of the second tier of guards set to hit free agency, which is typically where the Cowboys prefer to do their business on the open market.