What is the strategy for Zack Martin’s replacement? The Cowboys’ original road map is revealed by Stephen Jones.

Zack Martin has been a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line since being drafted 16th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. His presence on the line has been a stabilizing force for nearly a decade, and his work ethic, skill set, and leadership have earned him recognition as one of the top offensive guards in the league. Martin’s excellence has been one of the driving factors behind the success of the Cowboys’ offense, and his importance cannot be overstated. However, as with every player, the inevitability of age and the eventual need for a successor have created questions about the long-term future of the Cowboys’ offensive line.

As Zack Martin nears the twilight of his career, Stephen Jones, the executive vice president of the Dallas Cowboys, has made it clear that the team is working on a plan to ensure the offensive line remains a strength for the team in the future. The question on everyone’s mind is: How will the Cowboys replace such an iconic player when the time comes? What is the strategy to ensure the team doesn’t skip a beat when Zack Martin finally moves on from the game?

In this article, we will dive deep into the strategy Stephen Jones has put in place for the eventual replacement of Zack Martin, including analyzing potential draft picks, free-agent signings, and the philosophy behind building a new generation of offensive line talent.

The Legacy of Zack Martin: A Benchmark for Excellence

Before diving into the roadmap for his replacement, it’s essential to understand just how much Zack Martin has meant to the Cowboys’ offensive line. Martin has been an iron man, playing in 143 games through his first nine seasons. He has made eight Pro Bowls, been named First-Team All-Pro six times, and established himself as a player capable of dominating both in the run game and in pass protection.

His versatility and consistency in the trenches have made him a leader in the Cowboys’ locker room, and his ability to handle premier defensive tackles in the league has made him a critical cog in the Cowboys’ offensive scheme. Over the years, Martin has been the glue that held the offensive line together, and his success has paved the way for both the running backs and quarterbacks to thrive.

For the Cowboys, the challenge of replacing Martin goes beyond just finding a player who can play at a high level. The team needs to replace a leader, a player who has been the face of the offensive line for nearly a decade. Martin’s leadership and mental acumen have been instrumental in the development of the younger players on the line, and Stephen Jones has acknowledged that any potential replacement will need to match that same level of impact.

Stephen Jones’ Approach to the Offensive Line

Stephen Jones, as a key decision-maker in the Cowboys’ front office, has always been focused on maintaining the strength of the offensive line. For years, the Cowboys’ offensive line has been one of the best in the league, and much of that success can be attributed to careful planning and shrewd draft decisions. The Cowboys have often prioritized building through the draft and have consistently worked to cultivate young talent, which is a critical piece of their overall strategy.

Jones has made it clear that replacing Zack Martin is not a matter of finding a player who can simply fill a roster spot—it’s about finding a player who can maintain the level of play that Martin has set. This strategy reflects the Cowboys’ overall approach to roster building: they want to invest in young, high-potential players who can grow into long-term contributors.

The Plan for Replacing Zack Martin: Drafting the Future

The most obvious way for the Cowboys to replace Zack Martin is through the draft. Historically, the Cowboys have been known for their success in identifying and developing offensive line talent. The team has an extensive scouting network and a strong history of selecting elite offensive linemen. The draft is not just about finding immediate starters; it’s about finding players who can grow and develop under the tutelage of the Cowboys’ coaching staff.

To understand the Cowboys’ strategy, it’s important to look at the type of player the team values on the offensive line. Under head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive line coach Mike Solari, the Cowboys have focused on building an offensive line that is both physically dominant and mentally sharp. The team looks for players who are technically sound, able to execute complex blocking schemes, and, just as importantly, able to play with a physical edge.

When it comes to replacing Zack Martin, the Cowboys will likely focus on two key factors: athleticism and versatility. Martin has been known for his ability to move fluidly in space, both in the run game and when pass blocking. A potential replacement will need to be similarly versatile and capable of adapting to different roles, whether that’s at right guard, left guard, or even tackle in certain situations.

In recent drafts, the Cowboys have already begun looking at potential replacements for their aging offensive line. For instance, in 2023, the Cowboys selected guard Olu Fashanu, a big and mobile player who fits the mold of the kind of linemen they want to develop. Adding depth to the offensive line through the draft ensures that the team has young players ready to step in when the time comes.

Fashanu’s development, alongside other draft picks such as Tyler Smith from 2022, signals that the Cowboys have an eye on the future of their offensive line. The Cowboys are looking to build a pipeline of young, talented players who can seamlessly step into the starting lineup when needed.

Free Agency and Trade Opportunities

While the draft is a key component of the Cowboys’ long-term plans for replacing Zack Martin, it’s also important to remember that the team has the option to add veteran talent through free agency or trade. Replacing a player of Martin’s caliber isn’t something that can necessarily be done overnight, and in the interim, the Cowboys may choose to acquire a veteran who can step in immediately.

Stephen Jones has shown in the past that he is willing to make bold moves when necessary. The Cowboys were active in free agency and trade markets in past seasons, such as signing Tyron Smith and La’el Collins to help solidify their offensive line depth. While the Cowboys may not necessarily target a player at Martin’s position, they could look for an experienced player who can provide leadership and stability as the team transitions.

Some free-agent offensive linemen may be available in the offseason, though the Cowboys will likely prioritize younger, ascending players. That being said, if the team feels that a proven veteran could help ease the transition when Martin moves on, they may look to add one.

Developing the Next Generation of Linemen: Coach Mike Solari’s Role

Coach Mike Solari has been a key figure in the Cowboys’ success in developing offensive linemen. His coaching has helped elevate the play of key players, including Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, and, of course, Zack Martin. The development of younger players, including Tyler Smith and Zack Martin’s eventual replacement, will be heavily reliant on Solari’s ability to mold them into elite-level players.

Solari’s teaching philosophy focuses on combining physical development with mental acuity. Offensive linemen are asked to do much more than simply block—they must be aware of defensive schemes, adjust to blitzes, and communicate effectively with their fellow linemen and the quarterback. As a result, the next generation of offensive linemen under Solari’s tutelage will be well-prepared for the NFL’s demanding challenges.

Long-Term Outlook: The Cowboys’ Focus on Youth and Development

In order to replace Zack Martin, Stephen Jones has signaled that the Cowboys are prioritizing youth development and flexibility. The team is committed to building a sustainable pipeline of offensive line talent, not only through the draft but also by creating a developmental system that ensures that these players are ready when the time comes.

Zack Martin’s eventual departure will be a significant moment for the Cowboys, but it’s clear that Stephen Jones and the Cowboys’ front office are focused on building a strategy that allows the team to transition seamlessly. Whether through the draft, free agency, or continued player development under Coach Solari, the team’s roadmap is clear: the Cowboys will ensure that their offensive line remains a strength for years to come, even after Zack Martin’s eventual retirement.

Looking Ahead

Zack Martin’s time with the Cowboys has been nothing short of legendary, but the team is already laying the foundation for a future without him. Through a combination of strategic drafting, player development, and the potential for veteran additions, the Cowboys are well-positioned to keep their offensive line strong as they look toward the future. Stephen Jones’ commitment to developing young talent and his emphasis on continuity suggests that the Cowboys are confident in their ability to handle the transition when the time comes to replace one of the best offensive guards to ever play the game.

For now, the Cowboys will continue to lean on Zack Martin as a leader on the field, but the clock is ticking on his career. As Stephen Jones and the front office work tirelessly behind the scenes, the Dallas Cowboys remain focused on their long-term goal: to continue building a championship-caliber team for the future.