Dallas Cowboys All-Pro right guard Zack Martin agreed to a new deal that will guarantee him $36 million over the next two seasons. The NFL world erupted when the All-Pro decided to hold out at training camp, potentially leading him to a fine or suspension. However, he’s set to return to the Cowboys with a contract that fits his veteran status. His holdout is a victory for him as the veteran All-Pro Guard earns his payday while still playing at his peak.
The Cowboys can finally sleep at night knowing that their best guard is returning to bolster the offensive line. When he returns to practice, best believe that he can make life for guys Terrence Steel and Tyler Biadasz a lot easier. The Cowboys’ offensive line will get a whole lot better point blank. Improving the offensive line also means improving the performance of the three backs for the team; Tony Pollard, Deuce Vaughn, and Ronald Jones.
It’s like an apocalypse and Zack Martin’s return just put the fuel to the fire for this upcoming season.
Zack Martin Returning to the Field A Godsend For Cowboys Running Backs
Tony Pollard
The offensive line has had its spotlight during the first three weeks of training camp before Week 1 of preseason. It’s no secret that Pollard will benefit from Martin’s return when he capitalizes on it by breaking records and gaining yards. There’s no Pollard without Martin who gives him the space to run open and break free. His offensive line is strongly responsible for the best plays he’s had throughout his 2022 season.
While there could be more contributions from the running backs, the offensive line wouldn’t be as successful without Zack Martin. Due to his veteran status, Martin brings the mentality and experience to teach other young linemen. This creates a fired-up O-line to be ready to create holes for Pollard to run through. The anticipation now lies with Pollard where he will get ready to make his exciting debut as a starter for Dallas against the Giants.
Deuce Vaughn
Deuce Vaughn is already bringing a lot to the table for the team at 21 years old, making him the youngest player on the team. The Kansas State product has exceeded expectations through training camp and his Week 1 preseason performance. Despite not seeing the field until the second half, he most of the opportunity. Vaughn caught fans’ attention from the stands when he did a spin move on a Jaguar defender.
His athleticism is showing early in his career, recording 8 touches with 50 yards including getting in the end zone. All confidence rests with Vaughn, even though the starting offensive line is not on the field. There’s curiosity now on what Vaughn will do when the starting guys like Zack Martin return to establish his untapped potential on the field.
Dallas fans and NFL fans alike should remain excited to see how Martin and the offensive linemen can help Vaughn. They’ve done so with Pollard, so there’s no question that can be the same case for the seventh-round draft pick.
Ronald Jones
The NFL’s running back problem is nerve-racking, but it didn’t stray Dallas away from signing Jones on a one-year deal. Despite his suspension, he will come back to a fresh offensive line in Week 3 of the regular season. Jones didn’t see much playing time last season with the Chiefs. The last time he had a decent season was with Tampa Bay in 2020, recording 978 yards.
Jones now inhales fresh air as he will stand behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. He didn’t get the same in his past two NFL seasons which made his performance inadequate. Jones is still young at 25 and will bring the experience he’s had in tandem with Pollard and Vaughn. Fans can now paint a picture in their head of how Jones can potentially put on a show in the regular season.
No matter who’s behind Dallas’ offensive line, every running back on the team will anticipate success. However, these three backs are getting the eyes to step up when it counts. The team released Elliott when his struggles piled up due to not finding the hole. But these three running backs have that chance, and already taking advantage of the opportunity now that the Cowboys All-Pro guard, Zack Martin is back.
