Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) lines up for the snap during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. This powerful concept is often used to describe a clash between two entities of equal force, where neither can overcome the other. In the world of football, that idea may perfectly describe the looming showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Dallas Cowboys’ legendary offensive guard Zack Martin.
The Seahawks have made no secret of their interest in bolstering their offensive line through free agency, and with Zack Martin set to become a potential free agent, they could be eyeing the five-time All-Pro as the key to solidifying their offensive front for years to come. But with Martin’s exceptional reputation, solidified by his elite play over the last decade, there’s no question that the Cowboys will do everything in their power to keep him in Dallas.
The allure of Zack Martin as a free agent acquisition for Seattle can be understood from multiple perspectives. Let’s explore the ways this matchup of power, grit, and strategy could unfold in the NFL offseason, and how the battle between Seattle and Dallas could evolve.
Zack Martin: A Look at the Unstoppable Force
Zack Martin’s career speaks for itself. Over his nine seasons with the Cowboys, he has been one of the most dominant forces on the offensive line. The 6’4″, 315-pound guard has been consistently praised for his exceptional balance, technique, and ability to win both in the run game and as a pass protector. His ability to control defensive linemen with precise footwork and a strong initial punch has made him a staple of Dallas’ offensive success.
But what makes Martin so remarkable is his consistency. Martin hasn’t missed a game since his rookie season in 2014, a testament to his durability and professionalism. He has been named to the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons and has received All-Pro honors five times. It’s clear that he’s one of the league’s elite offensive linemen, and that’s why the Seahawks may see him as the answer to their own struggles along the offensive line.
Seattle’s offensive line has been an area of concern for several years. While they have drafted and developed some promising talent in recent seasons, their line has been a revolving door of injuries and underperformance. The addition of a proven veteran like Zack Martin could help to stabilize and elevate this unit, providing quarterback Geno Smith (or whoever is under center) with better protection and helping the run game thrive behind star running back Kenneth Gainwell or even rookie sensations in the future.
The opportunity to sign Martin would significantly upgrade the Seahawks’ offensive line, transforming it into one that can compete with the NFL’s toughest defensive fronts. Martin’s ability to both anchor the line and pull for wide-running plays would give the Seahawks an immediate advantage in creating lanes for their ball carriers. The promise of a strengthened offensive line in Seattle could also be a major selling point for any other skill-position players who might consider joining the franchise.
The Cowboys: The Immovable Object
But the challenge of acquiring Zack Martin is not one that should be taken lightly. The Cowboys are not going to simply let go of one of the most iconic players in franchise history without putting up a fight. Martin has been the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line for nearly a decade, and his impact on the team cannot be overstated. His leadership, skill set, and work ethic make him the ideal player to help the Cowboys’ offense continue its push toward a championship.
Despite some talk about the potential for Martin to test the free agent waters, the Cowboys have been committed to re-signing him. Martin, who will be 34 in 2025, is still playing at a very high level, and the Cowboys will likely make every effort to keep him on their roster for at least a few more years. From a financial perspective, Dallas is in a position to extend Martin’s contract, especially considering their salary cap flexibility.
What sets Martin apart from other offensive linemen is his ability to adapt to changing styles of play. The NFL is evolving, with more teams leaning into fast, pass-heavy offenses. But Martin’s strength has always been his versatility, making him effective against both power rushers and quick, penetrating defensive tackles. The Cowboys will continue to rely on Martin’s adaptability to help their offensive scheme, whether they are running the ball behind the strength of Ezekiel Elliott (or a new running back) or protecting Dak Prescott in the pocket.
The Cowboys’ front office has already shown commitment to keeping Martin around, but the question remains: Will they be able to fend off other suitors in a free agency frenzy? The competition will be fierce, and Seattle could be among the top contenders to steal away Martin from Dallas.
Seattle’s Push for Offensive Line Improvement
For the Seahawks, improving the offensive line has been a priority, but it hasn’t always been successful. In recent years, their offensive line play has been inconsistent at best. Russell Wilson’s tenure in Seattle was marked by frustration due to the lack of protection, and the team has since made efforts to address these concerns. The 2025 offseason presents a prime opportunity for the Seahawks to go all in on offensive line upgrades, and Martin represents the ultimate prize.
Seattle’s offensive line was inconsistent in 2024, with various players showing flashes of promise but failing to produce at a high level consistently. The addition of a future Hall of Famer like Martin would be an instant boost, both in terms of stability and leadership. His ability to maintain a high level of play well into his 30s could provide the Seahawks with both an immediate solution and long-term stability.
The Seahawks’ front office will likely be heavily invested in trying to land Martin, offering him a lucrative contract in an attempt to build a championship-caliber line. One factor that could work in Seattle’s favor is the chance for Martin to be part of a new offensive system under head coach Pete Carroll, who is known for his emphasis on physicality and toughness. Seattle’s culture of competitive grit could be appealing to Martin, especially if he’s looking for a fresh start in a new environment.
The Financial Implications: Can Seattle Afford Martin?
For the Seahawks to land Martin, they will have to navigate the financial hurdles of offering him a competitive contract. The salary cap in the NFL is a constant balancing act for teams looking to improve their rosters. Martin’s value will be high on the open market, and Seattle will have to make tough decisions about how to structure his contract.
The Seahawks could make room for Martin by restructuring deals, cutting underperforming players, or rethinking how they allocate their salary cap space. The salary cap flexibility is one of the advantages Seattle has over other teams in the league, and their ability to maneuver their finances could give them the edge in free agency. However, the Cowboys will also be looking to secure Martin for the long term, and they have the benefit of having built a team around him for years.
What Would the Seahawks Gain by Signing Zack Martin?
The benefits of signing Zack Martin go beyond just a stronger offensive line. With Martin in the fold, the Seahawks would gain one of the most respected leaders in the NFL. His presence in the locker room and on the field would immediately elevate the team’s play, instilling a sense of confidence and commitment that would trickle down to every position group.
Additionally, with Martin’s expertise, Seattle’s offensive line would improve not only in protection but also in run blocking. For the first time in a long time, the Seahawks could truly establish a powerful ground game, capable of controlling the clock and wearing down opponents with the physicality of their offensive line. This would provide the offense with more balance and keep opposing defenses guessing, ultimately leading to greater efficiency.
The Bottom Line: Unstoppable Force vs. Immovable Object
The potential clash between Seattle and Dallas for Zack Martin’s services presents an interesting storyline for the 2025 free agent frenzy. With Martin’s legendary status and exceptional play, the Cowboys will fight to retain him, but the Seahawks are in a position to make a competitive offer. The showdown between the two teams may come down to financials, personal motivations, and the overall vision for each team’s future.
For Seattle, landing Martin would be a game-changer, turning their offensive line into one of the league’s top units and providing a boost to their playoff aspirations. But for Dallas, losing Martin would be a major blow to their offensive success and could potentially set them back in their pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.
The NFL offseason is always unpredictable, but the showdown between Seattle and Dallas over Zack Martin promises to be one of the most exciting and impactful storylines of the year. Whether the unstoppable force of Seattle’s desire to improve their line meets the immovable object of Martin’s dedication to Dallas will be one of the most interesting battles in free agency.
