The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have momentum working in their favor. Despite injuries to some of their biggest names, the team got a key division win over the Atlanta Falcons as they no longer sit at the bottom of the NFC South. While the Buccaneers are still a long ways from being contenders at 3-4 on the year, they have progress which means the team is not expected to be involved at the trade deadline.
The Buccaneers believe they have players to build on for the future and at the moment, that includes Doug Martin. In the final year of his rookie contract, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is reporting that Martin is not available for trade deals at the deadline despite what reports are saying. Martin has been a saving grace for the Buccaneers this season as he strung together three straight 100-yard rushing games. He was held to just 71 yards against the strong run defense of the Atlanta Falcons, but altogether Martin must stay put.
Tampa Bay opted not to pick up the running back's fifth-year option, but have not said that means he will not earn a contract extension. Martin is setting himself up for a nice pay day regardless of whether or not it is in Tampa or not, but as they sit on the fringe of the wild card spot, the Buccaneers cannot afford to let the back go even with Charles Sims playing well.
Right now, the Buccaneers need to worry about health at the receiver position. Vincent Jackson is out for the foreseeable future with a knee injury. After losing two other wide receivers for the season, the Buccaneers cannot afford another setback. Tampa Bay got good numbers out of Cameron Brate and Brandon Myers, but it does not make up for what guys like Jackson can bring.
Another win and Tampa could make a move for a free agent to add to the roster. Hakeem Nicks, Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker represent the best available right now in terms of receivers unless Tampa Bay wants to make a trade in the next 24 hours which is unlikely to happen. In need of depth, the receiver addition is not a bad move regardless and could help Tampa Bay move up in the NFC South and grab a potential wild card spot. Jameis Winston continues to improve and having another weapon to work with could be what Tampa Bay needs.
"He was confident and calm," Bucs head coach Lovie Smith said, via ESPN.com. "Each week, he has shown more leadership."
