Predicting the Cowboys next 3 moves after Zack Martin contract restructure
By Jerry Trotta
The Dallas Cowboys are officially on the board! Well, they technically already were after they re-signed nose tackle Carl Davis. In terms of roster and contract shuffling before free agency, though, the Cowboys reworked right guard Zack Martin's contract for the second consecutive offseason.
Per the transaction wire, Dallas converted Martin's 2024 salary to clear $13 million in cap space. According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the team could also restructure Trevon Diggs and Terence Steele, but that is more likely to occur at a later date.
As of this writing, the Cowboys are cap-compliant before free agency. The legal tampering period opens on Monday, which means Dallas has the green light to negotiate with free agents, including their own. With the frenzy just days away, let's attempt to predict the team's next three moves after it restructured Martin.
3. Cowboys sign LB Eric Kendricks
Signing Eric Kendricks won't be the Cowboys next move, but we anticipate it could happen relatively early in free agency. Released by the Chargers this week in a cap-saving move, Kendricks starred under Mike Zimmer for seven seasons spanning 2015-21.
Zimmer has always had strong linebacker play during his time in the NFL and the Cowboys as currently constituted lack a proven starter at the position. VP of Player Personnel Will McClay told reporters at the Combine that Dallas could address linebacker in both free agency and the draft.
We're not opposed to the Cowboys signing two linebackers, but Kendricks feels like an obvious signing given his ties to Zimmer. The 32-year-old is getting up there in age, but he proved in 2023 that he can still play the role of field general at a high level. In 15 games, Kendricks logged a 73.6 run-defense grade and his seven missed tackles topped all linebackers, per PFF.
Most importantly, Kendricks understands the ins and outs of Zimmer's defense. That allows for a smooth transition to a new locker room as Kendricks will be looked to as a beacon of knowledge. Look for Kendricks to be a Cowboys player in the first or second wave of free agency.