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Last week we wondered if the New England Patriots would be able to re-sign their right guard Shaq Mason when he becomes a free agent in 2019. Mason has been an outstanding right guard, but the price tag for the position might be too great for the Patriots to match.
That price just increased as Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin just landed a 6-year deal making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
The #Cowboys are giving star G Zack Martin a 6-year contract extension that makes him the highest-paid guard with the largest guarantee at his position in NFL history, source said. Richly deserved, as Dallas locks up another key building block on the O-line.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2018
Cowboys and Pro-Bowl G Zack Martin finally agreed today to 6-year, $84 million extension that includes $40 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 13, 2018
Martin is set to earn $84 million over the course of his contract, or $14 million per season, with $40 million guaranteed.
That $14 million per year trails only New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder ($15.5 million per year) on a per-year basis and only trails Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith ($97.6 million over eight years) on a total basis as the second-largest contract for an offensive lineman in the league.
FOR A GUARD.
WHAT?!
Don’t get me wrong- Martin deserves it as one of the best offensive linemen in the league and his position continues to be important as interior pass rushers like Aaron Donald and Geno Atkins rampage over offensive lines. But that’s a whole lot of cash for a guard.
And now the bar is pushed even higher for Patriots right guard Shaq Mason who has to be thrilled about the state of the offensive line market. Mason isn’t as good as Martin, but the difference is not enormous and barring any injury in 2018 Mason should be looking at $10 million or more per year easily once he becomes a free agent.