The Tampa Bay Buccaneers watched as running back Doug Martin returned to camp on the first day of the voluntary NFL offseason workout program. Not only did Martin show up for the camp but he showed up in great shape, a huge difference than last season where he struggled through the season before ending up suspended. The Buccaneers now have a decision to make as they can actually cancel Martin's contract based on his suspension.
Doug Martin and his value to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In his rookie season, Doug Martin ran for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, career highs that he has not matched in the four years since that performance.
Part of the reason for his struggles is injuries. He missed 10 games in 2013, five games in 2014, and eight games in 2016 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The one year he stayed healthy, Martin was one of the NFL's leading rushers with 1,402 yards and six touchdowns in 2015. Last season, between injuries and the suspension, he ran for only 421 yards and three touchdowns.
The Buccaneers seem happy to see Doug Martin at camp, although they are not talking about the 2017 NFL season yet. General Manager Jason Licht said that Martin looks great right now and they are excited to have him at the offseason workouts. Teammates like quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy also said it was great to see Doug there and they hope he has a great year for them.
However, the fact is that Tampa Bay can still void his contract.
The 2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Doug Martin only served one game of his four-game suspension in 2016, meaning he will miss the first three games of the 2017 NFL season. Martin can show up for all offseason workouts and training camp for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well a preseason.
However, Tampa Bay has to decide if he is worth the $7 million they owe him if he plays in 2017. The suspension was drug related and that means that Martin violated the terms of his contract, which is why they can release him.
The Buccaneers have spoken to a number of players about coming in and possibly taking Doug Martin's place in the lineup.
Jason Licht said that Martin will have a chance to prove he belongs in Tampa Bay before the 2017 NFL Draft. Three players who could be there for the Buccaneers to draft include Florida State's Dalvin Cook, Texas' D'Onta Foreman, and Oklahoma's Joe Mixon. When it comes to the draft, Mixon could be there late thanks to controversies from his college days but is one of the most talented running backs in the 2017 NFL Draft.
