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What Zack Martin’s contract means for Brandon Scherff and the Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 09: Zack Martin #70 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 09: Zack Martin #70 of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Cowboys just made a big move by extending Zack Martin and making him the highest paid guard in the NFL. This will have a major impact on the Washington Redskins and their negotiations with Brandon Scherff.

In the modern NFL, the guard position is starting to become more and more important. As interior defenders become better at breaking down the pocket from the inside, the guard’s job to stop these players becomes more crucial. This is true of the offensive line play in the NFL in general, but having elite guards is certainly critical to protecting the quarterback.

No team has been able to find offensive line talent for the past five years than the Dallas Cowboys. As much as it pains Redskins fans, it’s clear that the squad has done well to add quality players like Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin in the draft. And recently, they made a long-term investment in their line by extending Martin.

Martin, a former first round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, started for the Cowboys immediately, and he was one of the most effective guards in the NFL right away. It was thought that he might have the potential to become a tackle if needed as well, but he was an elite guard, so that move never materialized. Nonetheless, he was a perennial Pro Bowler right off the bat and certainly earned a big contract.

And that’s exactly what the Cowboys gave him. They agreed on a six-year extension worth $84 million with $40 million in guarantees, both of which are records at the guard position. It’s a well-earned contract for Martin, but it’s also one that will impact the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins are due to extend Brandon Scherff in the near future. Their stud guard and No. 5 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft has had a similar career trajectory to Martin thus far and with another year of improvement, he should earn a similarly large contract. Here’s a deeper dive into what the Martin deal will do for Scherff and how it will impact the Redskins.

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