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Dallas Cowboys' star right guard, Zack Martin, has been conspicuously absent from training camp, accumulating hefty fines of $600,000 that remain irrevocable. The ime continues, and the cost keeps escalating.
In typical Jones fashion, Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation with his signature candor. When asked about his surprise at the ongoing standoff, Jones responded: "Not really. Not really. Surprise is really not the word there. It's very costly and so that's, that's where we are. Huge, significant ramifications ... by anybody's math." He shared these insights with Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Zack Martin, with two years left on his contract, is pressing for an uptick from his current annual average of $14 million. Currently ranked eighth among all guards, he aspires to reach the earnings bracket of the Falcons' Chris Lindstrom ($20.5 million) and the Colts' Quenton Nelson ($20 million).
Jones' perspective echoes the Cowboys' unwavering stance with Martin, a bedrock of the offensive line and an eight-time Pro Bowler. Just a month ago, Jones highlighted the priority of addressing contracts for younger players before delving into Martin's demands.
Jones isn't in a hurry to have Martin back
Jones elucidated that the Cowboys view Martin's absence as they would any injury. "So you realize that not having him here, it could happen on the next play," Jones explained. "And you're not happy. So gotta put that one on and say we'll just move on here without him. But you say, 'boy, that sounds concerning.' No, I'm just trying to give you how you really have to look at it."
The standoff between the Cowboys and Martin's camp resembles a high-stakes poker game, each side resolute in their positions. The countdown to a resolution is set for Week 1. If Martin takes the field blocking for Dak Prescott, Tony Pollard, and the crew against the New York Giants on September 10, all concerns may evaporate. However, should the holdout endure into the season, the unfolding strategy of Jerry Jones will take center stage.