Doug Martin Says He Wants To Be Back With Buccaneers, Confirms They’re Discussing New Deal

Buccaneers impending free agent RB Doug Martin told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that he would like to be back in Tampa Bay next year.

“I love Tampa and Tampa loves me,” Martin said. “I’ve got a house out there so I do wish I’ll go back to Tampa.”

Martin also confirmed that his representatives are in talks with the Buccaneers about a new contract while adding that he would play out the season under the franchise tag if that’s what the team elects to do.

“I’ll play the year and we’ll see what happens,” Martin said of the franchise tag. “Those negotiations are being talked about behind the scenes.”

All indications have been that the Buccaneers and Martin are likely to get an extension done before the start of free agency.

Last year, the Buccaneers opted not to exercise his fifth-year option, which leaves him in position to test 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.

This season, 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 listed as the No. 16 player in our Top 50 – 2016 Free Agents list.