The Minnesota Vikings are expected to address their need at guard this offseason, either through free agency or the draft. However, one potential target, **Zack Martin**, announced his retirement on Thursday, closing the door on a storied career.
Martin, a first-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, informed owner Jerry Jones of his decision to retire. Over his illustrious career, Martin earned First-Team All-Pro honors seven times, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Randall McDaniel and John Hannah as the only guards to achieve that feat.
While the 34-year-old wasn’t as dominant in recent years, he remained effective in 2024, posting a 65.6 PFF grade (ranking 31st among 77 guards) before an ankle injury ended his season in Week 14. Despite his age, *Pro Football Focus* projected Martin’s 2025 contract to be a low-risk, one-year deal worth $7 million—a potential bargain for a team in need of veteran leadership on the interior line.
The Vikings, whose offensive line struggles were highlighted by head coach Kevin O’Connell after their Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, will now have to look elsewhere to bolster their guard position. Martin’s retirement leaves a void in the market, but Minnesota still has options as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
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