Cowboys News: Zack Martin holdout, Dallas signs surprise player for final roster spot
- Zack Martin’s holdout is official
- Dallas is close to filling final spot on 90-man roster
By Jerry Trotta
The Dallas Cowboys' first training camp practice starts in a couple hours and the roster's most decorated and talented player won't be involved.
Just minutes after Jerry Jones declined to comment whether Zack Martin would report to camp, ESPN's Adam Schefter crashed the Cowboys introductory press conference to report that Martin is indeed holding out due to his current contract not reflecting his value.
This was speculated leading up to Dallas' departure for Oxnard, with Martin telling Schefter he believes he's "woefully underpaid relative to the market." Martin's $14 million salary is roughly $7 million less than the NFL's highest-paid interior linemen.
Jones didn't elaborate on any of the Cowboys' contractual storylines, though the owner did hint Martin is in the team's plans.
While obviously not ideal, this isn't worth panicking about. Martin's value is recognized by the organization and the eight-time Pro Bowler doesn't need extensive camp reps to be ready for the Sept. 10 opener against the Giants.
Cowboys RG Zack Martin is officially holding out from training camp in Oxnard. He did not report today, person familiar with situation said. Martin, arguably the NFL's best offensive lineman, is being paid about $7M less in 2023 than other top guards in league.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 25, 2023
Cowboys RG Zack Martin makes training camp holdout official
Make no mistake: Martin will be ready to rock once the regular season arrives.
Before you overreact, there are ample contract-induced holdouts around the league. Some players reported to camp, but aren't practicing, while others are intent on missing the entirety of camp until they sign a new deal.
In other cases, like Saquon Barkley, a team offers a revised one-year contract to mend fences and get players back in the building. It'll be interesting to see if the Cowboys take a similar approach with Martin and possibly revist a new-and-improved extension in the offseason.
In the meantime, though, Dallas' OL will have to contend with the team's stable of pass rushers without its stabilizer at right guard.
Cowboys workout USFL cornerback Josh Butler
The show must go on without Martin, and the wheels of Dallas' front office are still chugging along with roster holes to fill. Currently at 89 players of the 90-man offseason capacity, the Cowboys worked out USFL cornerback Josh Butler on Tuesday, per ESPN's Todd Archer.
A few hours later, Dallas signed Butler to fully fill its roster.
Cowboys signed former USFL CB Josh Butler today, a person familiar with move said. For first time this year, the roster is full at 90 players — just in time for Wednesday’s first practice of training camp.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 25, 2023
It's a tad surprising the Cowboys added a cornerback, but perhaps it's a product of Jourdan Lewis opening camp on the PUP list.
Butler allowed 28 catches over 50 targets for 363 yards (12.9 yards per reception) and four touchdowns, per PFF's John Owning, equating to a 104.3 passer rating.
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