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Cowboys Urged To Sign New Starter To Replace Hall of Famer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Landon Holifield | Last updated Feb 26, 2025 4:14 PM ET

Zack Martin was one of the most dominant Dallas Cowboys ever. ... A true professional in every aspect and an ironman.

Even more impressive are his seven All-Pro nods in 11 seasons - those seven flags equaling the total holding penalties in his entire career.

So on the surface, it may seem impossible for the Cowboys to improve at the retiring Martin's old guard position in 2025. ... though Brock Hoffman and TJ Bass filled in admirably.

Additionally, there is a guy on the open market who might help. His name is Will Hernandez. The 6-3, 330-pound product out of UTEP has steadily improved throughout his career and was on a rapid rise prior to his season-ending injury in 2024.

Will Steele from Skywalker Steele Unleashed has a fantastic Hernandez film breakdown here. ...

His injury was a tough blow for the Cardinals but it was also tough for a player who was on an expiring contract and looking to get paid.

At the same, this can be an opportunity for Hernandez and the Cowboys.

Hernandez has a total of 91 career starts. Hoffman and Bass, on the other hand, just 14 combined.

We know Dallas liked him in the scouting process before the 2018 NFL Draft. But what they should like even more is that he was a second-round talent now well within their price range. (Spotrac has him at $5 million per year.)

The pot sweetener is his position coach during his best years in Arizona was Klayton Adams, who is now the new Cowboys offensive coordinator.

Will Hernandez is no Zack Martin. But as an affordable Cowboys starter? It simply makes too much sense.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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