Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the market for free agent RB Doug Martin includes “at least” six teams at the start of the legal tampering period.
Rapoport adds that the Buccaneers are “intent” on re-signing Martin, but wonders if he could ultimately secure a similar type of contract to the five-year, $40 million deal DeMarco Murray got from the Eagles last year.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times recently reported that negotiations between Bucs GM Jason Licht and Martin’s agent, Brian Murphy, failed to close the gap on a long-term deal that would prevent him from testing the open market.
Martin, 26, played out his four-year, $6,787,528 rookie contract, which included $5.472 million guaranteed. He made a base salary of $1,315,572 for the 2015 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the coming months.
Last year, the Buccaneers opted not to exercise his fifth-year option, which leaves him in position to test the open market.
In 2015, Martin ran for 1,402 yards on 288 carries (4.9 YPC) to go along with 33 receptions for 271 yards receiving and seven total touchdowns over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 running back out of 67 qualifying players.
We have Martin featured in our Top 100 – 2016 Free Agents list.
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