“My biggest regret is not being able to stand alongside you and hoist the Lombardi Trophy.” Those were the words of future Hall of Famer guard Zack Martin to his owner Jerry Jones as he stepped away from the Star after 11 seasons. His departure from the Cowboys’ O-line has left a crater-shaped hole to fill before the 2025 season comes around. While it will be tough for anyone to fill the shoes of a 9-time Pro Bowler and 7-time First Team All-Pro, the Cowboys may have identified Martin’s replacement. But the one they have laid their eyes upon, unlike Martin, has already seen retirement at 25.
As per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Cowboys worked out with veteran OL Saahdiq Charles on Friday. Now, Charles may not be the household name the Cowboys Nation was looking for. But he does come with an interesting resume that you won’t find anywhere else. So, let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
The #Cowboys worked out veteran OL Saahdiq Charles today, source says. The former fourth-round pick of the #Commanders recently came out of retirement after walking away last summer during camp with the #Titans. pic.twitter.com/V9FAudmkxv
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 4, 2025
Charles was a part of the historic LSU batch that consisted of the likes of Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and more. Coming out of LSU with an undefeated college national championship under his belt, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound guard was selected by the Commanders. Hoping he can replace the outgoing another future Hall of Famer OL Trent Williams in Washington, Charles didn’t live up to his expectations. Injuries plagued his 4 seasons with the Commanders, where he only appeared in 35 games out of 67 possible outings.
And out of those 35 appearances, Charles only started 18 games, all of them coming at guard. Once his $4.09M contract expired, Charles was on his way to Music City. At that time, he was over the moon, as this gave him the opportunity to reunite with Bill Callahan. “I’m gonna go over there with Bill Callahan,” Charles mused as he started preparing for his next chapter. Expected to start at right guard in 2024, Charles never appeared in a single game for the Titans.
Out of nowhere, he chose to retire early into the training camp, closing his NFL chapter abruptly. But after a year away from the game, Charles is again looking for a new challenge. And this could come in the form of replacing Zack Martin in Dallas. Actually, Charles isn’t the only heir apparent to Martin the Cowboys are looking at. They are also firmly interested in bringing someone who knows how to play all five positions in an O-line.
Is Josh Carlin the next Zack Martin for the Cowboys?
Just a few weeks ago, the Cowboys met with UCLA’s 6-foot-5, 316-pound giant offensive lineman Josh Carlin. Primarily a center, Carlin is famous for his versatility in playing all 5 positions in UCLA’s O-line. Talking with Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Carlin proudly stated what led the Cowboys to him: “They like my versatility and how that’s the biggest aspect of my game.” Here’s the thing: Carlin has played in 53 games for UCLA, which saw him rack up snaps all over the O-line. Center, tackle, guard, you just name it. Carlin has the experience of every position.
“The first two years of my career at UCLA. I actually played tackle. I bumbed down to guard, and then I played a little bit of center this past season..I can snap the football and also play both guard positions. Wherever they need me at the next level. I can plug a hole and just go,” Carlin shared. Considering his insance flexibility to play anywhere, anytime in an O-line, Carlin could be a steal for the Cowboys. Not only can he replace Martin with his eyes closed. The Cowboys can get a lot more out of him if needed.
Make no mistake—offensive linemen are victims of sudden injuries due to the pushing and shoving nature of their game. So, Carlin’s presence can help the Cowboys keep their O-line intact, keeping those pass rushers miles away from his QB. Now, it’s totally up to Jones whether he wants to cash in now and bring Charles on board. Or wait until the NFL draft for Carlin to be on the clock for the Cowboys to jump in. What do you think will happen?
The post Retired Twice in 12 Months, 25-YO Unretires Again For Cowboys as Zack Martin’s Potential Replacement appeared first on EssentiallySports.
