Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut running back Doug Martin
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will need a new running back
Rick Stroud of the Tamp Bay Times has reported the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have informed running back Doug Martin of his release.
Tampa Bay originally drafted Martin out of Boise State with the 31st overall pick in 2012 and saw immediate success with a Pro Bowl and Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie selection. Martin scored 11 rushing touchdowns and recorded over 1,400 rushing yards.
Martin had signed a five-year, $35.750 million contract prior to the 2016 season, but missed time with a drug suspension and injuries, most recently with a concussion.
Late in the 2016 season Martin was suspended four games after testing positive for Adderall and entered rehab. HIs injury history includes a torn shoulder labrum in 2013 following a Pro Bowl season the year before. He earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2015 and was also an All-Pro running back with 1,402 rushing yards.
Tampa Bay saves $6.75 million on their salary cap this offseason with no dead cap carried over from Martin, who started just 16 games over the last two seasons.
The Buccaneers will have a major decision regarding quarterback Jameis Winston’s long-term contract in the coming seasons, and saving cap over the next three years will help in those negotiations.
Tampa Bay has over $70 million in cap space entering the offseason, which will likely be used to address their defense. Defensive backs Brent Grimes, TJ Ward, Keith Tandy, and Robert McClain are all free agents.
If the Buccaneers want to look into the running back market they could take a back with their high second round pick. Derrius Guice, Ronald Jones, and Sony Michel are potential candidates for the Buccaneers.