Cowboys have several internal options to replace Zack Martin.
Many changes are coming for the Dallas Cowboys and changing of the guards, quite literally, is now one of them. Zack Martin, a future Hall of Famer, has informed the team of his retirement from the NFL. This news isn’t all that surprising considering he’s reached the age where father time starts to catch up to professional athletes, and is also currently rehabbing from a season-ending ankle injury that required surgery.
Now that we know Zack Martin won’t return to Dallas, it leaves a vacancy that will need to be filled on the Cowboys offensive line at right guard. While free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft could possibly provide his replacement, there are some internal options Dallas could choose to turn to. Today, we’re going to take a look at those options.
Brock Hoffman (6’4″, 302)
Considering he stepped in for Zack Martin when he finally shut it down due to his ankle injury, Brock Hoffman seems to be the favorite to retain the job heading into 2025. He played a total of 387 snaps at RG last year as well as 109 at C and 19 at LG. He played admirably when he was needed a season ago, and without a better option, he gets the nod for now.
Cooper Beebe (6’4″, 335)
In his first year ever playing center, Cooper Beebe not only performed well above expectations, but was also Dallas’ most consistent offensive lineman last year other than Tyler Smith. Kicking him over to replace Zack Martin could be what’s best for him long-term, however, that would then open up a vacancy at C. The only way this happens is if the Cowboys believe Beebe is better at RG and they have a C worthy of replacing him.
T.J. Bass (6’4″, 325)
T.J. Bass could be considered in a neck-and-neck race with Brock Hoffman to step in as Zack Martin’s replacement in 2025. He played a total of 127 snaps at RG and 188 at LG last year in a reserve role, but has yet to really prove he can be depended on as a full-time starter. He’s a much better run blocker then he is as a pass protector, which could possibly work in his favor if Brian Schottenheimer and his staff actually does commit to the running game.
Asim Richards (6’4″, 307)
In his two years with the Cowboys Asim Richards has seen playing time at both left and right guard and left tackle. He primarily played LT last year rotating in and out of the lineup due to Tyler Guyton’s struggles as a rookie, but given the opportunity he could potentially challenge for the job to become Zack Martin’s replacement at RG. He’s probably a long shot though, however, his position flex at the very least could put him into contention.
Nathan Thomas (6’4″, 331)
Nathan Thomas was a seventh-round pick in 2024 by the Cowboys and pretty much had a red-shirt season with the organization last year. He’s a complete wildcard right now considering we don’t really know what he brings to the table or what his best position might be in the NFL. He was a left tackle during his time at Louisiana, but many believe kicking inside to guard would be in his best interest. His skill set at least gives him a chance.
