The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have Doug Martin heading towards free agency this offseason, but if all goes according to plan, the running back will never hit the market.
Martin is one of the top running backs in the 2016 free agent class and the Buccaneers are interested in signing him back this offseason. According to NFL.com, the Bucs have already started contract talks with Martin and there is a chance that he will sign a new deal before free agency begins in March. Martin was on Pro Football Talk Live earlier in the month and said that he wants to stay with the Bucs, adding that "I love Tampa and Tampa loves me."
Martin had a bounce back season in 2015 after two years of dealing with injuries and inconsistent play in Tampa. Martin ranked second in the league in rushing yards behind Adrian Peterson and that should earn him a nice payday on his next contract. There is a chance that Tampa could use the franchise tag if the sides can't work out a long-term deal, but so far the two sides have not reached that point. The Tampa Bay Times speculates that Martin could get a deal in the four-year, $25 million range this offseason.
Martin did not have his fifth year option picked up after dealing with injuries in 2013-14 and now Tampa is going to have to pay up to keep the running back. Martin rushed for 1402 yards last season with six touchdowns, which were his best numbers since putting up 1454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie in 2012. Martin set a career high with 4.9 yards per carry and if he somehow gets on the open market, he likely will be a top target for teams.
This offseason the Buccaneers may receive some trade interest in backup Mike Glennon, but the team may not entertain offers for the quarterback. Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com reports that General Manager Jason Licht said that he is not planning to trade Glennon this offseason. Despite having Jameis Winston as the face of the franchise, Licht said that he likes having Glennon as a backup option in case Winston goes down with an injury. Licht added that only an offer that "blows us away" would be considered for Glennon at this point.
Some around the NFL have speculated that Vincent Jackson could be a salary cap casualty this offseason, but according to the Pewter Report, Jackson is expected to return to Tampa next season. Reynolds writes that despite dealing with injuries and having a $12.2 million cap hit for next season, Jackson is expected to be back.
