Doug Martin Must Make Dallas Cowboys First Phone Call

This is the period right before NFL free agency where the rumors starting indicating every team is negotiating with every major free agent and are “hoping to keep him.”  Inevitably though some are going to slip through the cracks, either because they have no wish to return or the money just didn’t work out.  One name that appears positioned to do that is Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin.

"“In 2015, Martin ran for 1,402 yards on 288 carries (4.9 YPC) to go along with 33 receptions for 271 yards receiving and seven total touchdowns over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 running back out of 67 qualifying players.”"

It was quite the career turnaround for Martin, who looked like he would go down as a one-year wonder after following his breakout rookie season with two forgettable ones.  Now he’s back in form, healthy and has a stock that in peaking.  He knows this is the best shot he’s going to get at landing a big contract.  It’s a decision that likely won’t involve a discount, which may explain why the Buccaneers aren’t scrambling to lock him up.

If he does end up leave, Martin has to be smart about the teams he decides to meet with.  The first call to place must be the Dallas Cowboys.  It may not seem so at the moment, but they have ways to create enough cap space to handle a deal he’d be happy with.  More importantly though, the idea of a 27-year old Pro Bowler playing behind that offensive line again would have to excite all parties involved.

He’s a good fit for their scheme, doesn’t mind being fed and would take pressure off Tony Romo like DeMarco Murray did before he left.  This is a move that make too much sense not to happen.  So if Doug Martin does hit the market, don’t be surprised to see him holding up a white jersey less than 24 hours later.