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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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins enters the field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins enters the field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Where Scherff ranks in terms of talent among guards and the financials associated with it

First, it’s important to note the specifics of the Martin deal. As mentioned, his deal will rank at the top of the league across all categories for guards. The $84 million is almost $20 million more than the next highest contract. His $14 million annually is $700K more than the second highest average annual value (AAV). And most importantly, Martin is set to get $40 million in guarantees, which is a whopping $10 million more in guarantees than any other player at his position in the league.

All of this makes perfect sense. Martin is undoubtedly the best guard in the NFL. He’s elite, and the numbers show it. Pro Football Focus had Martin as the No. 1 guard during the 2017 season, and he was paid as such.

In terms of the top guards in the league, Scherff is certainly a top five option. He’s been a starter in the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons, and he’s been an excellent blocker for the Redskins. He’s been critical in pass protection, and he has done a lot to blow open running lanes. But because of the Redskins lack of success as a team, he has flown under the radar a bit more.

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In terms of pure talent at the guard position, it could be argued that Scherff is the No. 2 overall player in the league. But, Andrew Norwell, Kevin Zeitler, and Kelechi Osemele might all have something to say about it. Scherff figures to be paid similarly to these players, who all happen to be among the top four contracts at the guard position (when including Martin).

However, in the NFL, players don’t necessarily get paid commensurately with their skill set. When you have an elite player, like Scherff is and projects to be, it’s often that they will want to be paid top dollar. And it seems likely that Scherff’s camp will use the Martin extension as a framework for what he should get paid.

Still, it seems hard to believe that Scherff will get more than Martin. He will probably land between the AAV for the Norwell and Martin deals, and he could see a six-year extension that pays $13.5 million per season with roughly $30 million in guarantees. That would seemingly make sense based on how the guard market is playing out, especially since Scherff is so talented.

From Scherff’s side, this extension is excellent news. For the Redskins, this deal has gotten more difficult to do, especially when considering the other aspects the team has to think about next offseason.

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