Zach Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence both joined the Dallas Cowboys as part of the 2014 draft class and are currently the two longest-tenured players on the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, both players are entering their contract year in 2024 and may end up playing their last and final seasons with the team. American team.
There is a very real possibility that 2024 will be a swan song season for both Martin and Lawrence. Given their age and the money needed to re-sign both or one of them, there's a chance their futures in Dallas won't extend beyond this season. It's really sad to say goodbye to them, but that's part of the business.
Further evidence that two of the team's core players may be playing their final seasons with the Cowboys was the selection of EDGE Marshawn Kneeland in the second round (56th overall), a versatile offensive lineman from Kansas State. This was highlighted by the first-round selection of lineman Cooper Beebe. Of two third-round draft picks (73rd overall).
In Marshawn Kneeland and Cooper Beebe, the Cowboys are very likely to acquire potential successors to DeMarcus Lawrence and Zach Martin, who are currently waiting on the sidelines. It would be quite a stretch to argue that either of these rookies will have the same type of success as the two best that played in Dallas, but they could still replace them.
Surprisingly, Marshawn Kneeland (6'3″, 267) is similar to DeMarcus Lawrence as a player. He is a big, physical EDGE player who is tenacious as a run defender and develops as a pass rusher. Also like Lawrence, he plays with a non-stop motor and his play effort is relentless.
As far as possible replacements for Zach Martin, the Cowboys may have several options on the roster right now. Depending on how things play out at center, Cooper Beebe could be the first choice. He may have primarily played LG during his time at Kansas State, but his experience and mindset should translate easily to the right side.
Believe it or not, Cooper Beebe compares pretty favorably to Zach Martin, much like Marshawn Nyland does to DeMarcus Lawrence. Coincidence?
If not Cooper Beebe, there are also TJ Bass, Nathan Thomas, and Asim Richards who are considered possible replacements for Zach Martin. Bass and Richards played as rookies last year and showed potential. And Thomas has all the tools to become a future starter if he can overcome the injuries that plagued him in college.
No matter what happens in the end, the Cowboys are planning for the future, even if it means parting ways with two of their best players to earn the star name. It's reassuring to see. It will be very interesting to see how all this plays out, and I have no doubt that this year's monitoring of Kneeland and Beebe will be even more interesting.
