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NFC South Offseason Questions

By Eric Robinson

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches the ball over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) for a touchdown during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches the ball over Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) for a touchdown during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is Doug Martin the best option at running back?

Starting running back Doug Martin has had a roller coaster career in just five seasons, all with the Buccaneers. After a productive rookie season in 2012 with 1,926 total yards of offense and 12 touchdowns, Martin has been mostly unspectacular since. Aside from his 1,402 rushing yard season in 2014, Martin has ran for less than 500 total yards in three of the last four seasons. Partially, that lack of production is due to injuries. Ironically, the only two seasons Martin has topped 1,000 yards rushing, he so happened to play in 16 games that season.

Martin will kick off the season on the suspension list thanks to getting busted for PEDs. It should also be noted that due to his suspension, the team can release him at any given point without guaranteeing any payout. The team drafted another Boise State product at running back in Jeremy McNichols and the rookie possesses a similar skill set to Martin. Veteran running back Jacquizz Rodgers led the team in 2016 in rushing with 560 and fourth-year running back Charles Sims offers possibly the best and most dynamic skill set of any rusher on the roster.

If Martin wants to keep his job and be a long-term member on the team, he has to have a pretty spotless offseason. Or else the Buccaneers coaching staff and front office may decide to wave goodbye to the once key weapon.

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