News broke on February 20 that Dallas Cowboy Zack Martin plans to retire. He remained one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL over his 11-year career. Martin racked up countless accolades throughout his impressive run while stringing together a Hall of Fame resume. Now a pending Pittsburgh Steelers free agent could be the perfect replacement for the long-time NFL guard.
Martin's accomplishments include seven First-Team All-Pro nominations, two Second-Team All-Pro nominations, and nine Pro Bowl appointments. Unfortunately for Dallas, the Cowboys are left with a gaping hole on the offensive line.
Dallas is stuck in a bad situation right now. Martin could've seen the writing on the wall for minor improvement in the future and decided to retire. Jerry Jones has been running the Cowboys organization into failure for the past several years. They find ways to get competitive, only to fail in the postseason on a routine basis. Their latest hires on the coaching staff provide little hope.
With Martin out of the organization, the Cowboys have lost one of their best players. They are losing leadership, consistency, and quality play along their offensive line. Pittsburgh has some offensive linemen who are pending free agents who could help. Signing a veteran player to replace Martin will be no easy task, but the Cowboys could poach a quality member of the Steelers.
James Daniels could leave the Pittsburgh Steelers to join the Dallas Cowboys in free agency
If the Cowboys want to find an immediate replacement for Martin, James Daniels makes sense. He was a solid starter for the Steelers during his three years with the club. Daniels is coming off a season-ending injury, but he should be almost back to full health. Before that injury, Daniels had a strong start to the campaign.
One of the best parts of Daniels is the versatility he brings. He can play both guard positions, but he also can play center. His original position in college was at center, which is something he could be comfortable with. Dallas signing Daniels seems like an easy decision to replace Martin when free agency rolls around.
READ MORE: ESPN names Steelers perfect destination for three top-50 free agents
You can point out that this pending free agent doesn't have any All-Pro or Pro Bowl nominations, but most who hit free agency won't. Replacing a player like Martin won't be easy because he has produced a Hall of Fame resume during his NFL career. Expectations for his replacement will be sky-high. Daniels might not play at Martin's level, but he can provide stability up front.
The Steelers free agent projects to make $7.8 million per season on a two-year contract this offseason. That is an affordable contract for a player who should become a reliable replacement for Martin. Daniels won't turn 28 until September, so his best playing days remain ahead. Stealing this guard from the Steelers would be the Cowboy's best bet in free agency.