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Former Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin has experienced a steep drop in his production over the last two seasons, further creating a cloud of uncertainty around his future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This has led Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News to speculate that the Bucs could end Martin's time in Tampa Bay this offseason.
Martin's hot-and-cold relationship with Dirk Koetter will end with the RB's release at age 29. The Bucs were disappointed with his play post-suspension, and they'll move on with Peyton Barber and/or others in the backfield.
Martin has three more years remaining worth $20.7 million on his five-year, $35.7 million. However, the Buccaneers could move on from him in the offseason, as the $6.7 million in 2018 is non-guaranteed. This would essentially make this a clean break off without any financial commitment from that point forward.
The 29-year-old struggled to make an impact this past season, posting a career-low 406 rushing yards while tying a career-worst 2.9 yards per carry in 11 games played. He only compiled more than 70 rushing yards twice while falling short of double-digit rushing yard totals three times. He had to sit out the first four games due to a violation of the NFL substance abuse policy for testing positive for Adderall.
Nonetheless, Martin likely has his best years behind him, as he posted back-to-back seasons with fewer than 425 rushing yards. He's also struggled with his durability, only playing an entire regular season twice in his six-year career, with each resulting in his only 1,000-yard rushing campaigns. In his other four seasons, he has failed to break 500 rushing yards while playing in no more than 11 games.
If Tampa Bay elects to go in this direction, backup Peyton Barber will likely get his first crack as the full-time starter. Barber performed well in the last five games, posting 374 rushing yards over that stretch, including 104 yards against the Green Bay Packers.
