Team Glazer Might Need To Step In
February 28th, 2016
Team Glazer must prevent the punting of Doug Martin
Here are 10 key facts as the franchise tag deadline approaches on Tuesday afternoon.
- Bucs fans want Doug Martin back in 2016.
- Dirk Koetter emphatically said he wants Martin back.
- Jason Licht says he wants Martin back.
- America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, wants Martin back.
- Martin was a superior NFL football player last year. His film is spectacular.
- Martin says he loves Tampa, loves Jameis, loves Koetter and wants to return.
- The Bucs have a mountain of available cash under the 2016 salary cap — in the $60 million range.
- The Bucs claim they want to build through the draft and Martin was a first-round pick in 2012.
- There is no other proven workhorse running back on the Bucs roster.
- At the end of the 2015 season, Licht claimed the Bucs have the talent to make the playoffs in the 2016 season. Presumably, that included the NFC’s second-leading rusher, Mr. Doug Martin.
Joe understands why Martin might be taking a very hard line in contract negotiations. Any long-term contract signed now likely will be his last in the NFL. Martin has to cash in.
Joe understands why the Bucs — or any NFL team — would be hesitant to give Martin a long-term deal, for example, four years for $24 million with $18 million guaranteed. Most running backs break down quickly.
That leaves the franchise tag, which would lock Martin up for 2016. The cost would be about $11.5 million.
The Bucs have to use the tag by Tuesday afternoon. If not, Martin could have a new team on March 9. If the Bucs do tag Martin, they can still negotiate a multi-year contract with him — and subsequently scrap the tag.
Joe believes Team Glazer might need to step in and loudly bless the use of the franchise tag to Licht. The franchise tag literally was tailor-made for a guy like Martin.
See Nos. 1 through 10 above. It’s not like Team Glazer really would be interering and making a personnel move here. They’d simply be giving everyone what they desire: Doug Martin in 2016.
That’s called leadership.
February 28th, 2016 at 8:48 am
I dont see what the risk is in a 4 year 24 mil contract with 18 mil guaranteed. I say this because if you are willing to franchise a guy for 11.5 mil and have 6O mil to spend this season. I mean is 7 extra guaranteed mil really that big of a risk for a guy who just had a season like Doug??? If that is what he is looking for give it to him NOW!
February 28th, 2016 at 8:49 am
Addition by subtraction! But you know what would be better? Letting the man know he’s your guy going forward. This is his team. Pay him (of course reasonably). You never know, why might get 2-3 more seasons out of him like last season. I say Gamble on it. BET!
February 28th, 2016 at 8:53 am
do they even do things of that nature? (now that Malcolm is gone )
February 28th, 2016 at 8:57 am
Agree 100 %
February 28th, 2016 at 8:58 am
There is no reason other than injury that he would back off his performance level because it is still the last year of his contract and he is still young enough to get the big payday. Basically it is a win win situation for the Buc’s and a nice salary (all guaranteed money) for Martin. It requires simple common sense not leadership.
February 28th, 2016 at 8:59 am
Using the franchise tag would not work for negotiating a multi-year deal. It puts the floor of the deal at one year for TWELVE MILLION dollars. Your four year, 24 million quickly extrapolates to 4-year, 40+ million. That is a non-starter for backs. The bucs likely are using the DeMarco Murray deal signed last year as the starting point for negotiating. This necessarily means the franchise tag is not an option.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:05 am
Here is the problem if you tag DM22!! The official tag numbers were just redone because they just adjusted the cap! The number now is $11.789.000 .
So say Nfl GM Licht did tag DM22, and then tries to work out a contract. DM22 Agent will say that his player is worth $11.789.000 because the bucs have deemed him that. And to franchise him again in 2017 would be around 14 million!!! In the NFL once you tag a player the Guaranteed money is the two Franchise tags added together. So Licht would have to make the deal with around just under 26 million guaranteed!!!
DM22 will be 28 years old at the end of the 2016 season!!! How many times have we seen huge contracts work out for running backs??? Do we know the role of the RB in the new Coach Koetter offense will be??? If Licht stands pat at his number but another team over pays we will get a 3rd round compensatory pick in 2017!!! I just do not think this is a keep at all cost situation! and we will see if he “really” wants to stay in Tampa!!! Oh yea, he better get better at pass protection if he thinks he is this high priced RB!!!
February 28th, 2016 at 9:07 am
A horde of fans will be angry if Martin is let go. I still think he remains a Buc.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:13 am
This is getting absurd. Pay this dude! The Bucs need to surround Jameis with talent and the combination of Martin and Simms last year proved lethal.
Understand that it’s a business and this young man has sacrificed his body, literally the rest of life, to get to this moment. To Joe’s point this will most likely be his only huge contract, he has worked more than any of us will ever know to get to this point. Now it’s the Bucs turn to Pay the man!
You want to build a fan base… Then you have to keep the guys your fans grow close to. My sons love cheering for Martin, the man has three nick names. THREE! (Muscle Hamster, the Dougernaut, and Dougie Fresh). You can’t let him walk out the door. Pay Doug!
February 28th, 2016 at 9:14 am
But then again… This is the franchise that cut the best cornerback of our generation.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:16 am
I was looking at GMC’s contract,half his salary is in roster bonus after the first couple of years. Makes sense to do it with doug also.If he on roster in year 3 or 4 it will mean he had a good year prior.That way bucs can sweeten deal
but only if doug continues to perform.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:18 am
So, Joe. Go from 60mil, to 48 and change. For one running back who consistently gets caught from behind? Ummm. I don’t think so. No more than 5mil a year for any back.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:22 am
also could kick in 500,000 bonus getting in shape the same way he did last
year. Doug came to play this year,and we want this same dedication every
year.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:23 am
Joe, disagree completely.
Wanting #22 is one thing, paying stupid, above market money is another. Martin is going to get a fair offer to remain a Buc.
The Glazers will roll with the GM’s recommendation. It’s the expertise they are paying him for.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:30 am
I trust Licht, either way.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:51 am
Wow most of you are great giving away other peoples money. Why don’t you just pay double for your house, double for your car, why just not pay double for everything….is not your money. Maybe Philly will give him $12 million…oh that’s right, they did that last year and it didn’t work out too good.
February 28th, 2016 at 10:00 am
Hopefully everything works out for both parties. But If he wants to test the market – let’em. If he really wants to be here he will be. If not thanks for the two good seasons. Worst case scenario – we turn the page and draft Derrick Henry. Use the money allocated to Doug Martin on additional defensive talent.
February 28th, 2016 at 10:04 am
Why do I get the feeling Licht is about to pull a Schiano, like what was done with Michael Bennett. His days in Tampa may be over if he screws this up. Say he allows Doug to walk, then can’t find a viable replacement and we go 6-10 again because we have no real ground game. It’s one thing to be conservative with your bosses money, it’s entirely different to be completely stupid.
If Licht can’t get this done, I have very little faith that he’ll ever be able to do anything with this team….and once again WE’RE THE LAUGHINGSTOCK of the league!!!
When Oh Lord……..is this EVER gonna change?
February 28th, 2016 at 10:05 am
I think the franchise tag is a good move. I don’t think Doug is on the team in 2017 though, the question does he leave this year or next. The tag buy the Bucs 1 more year to protect and develop Jameis. Lets face it you can’t have a top 5 RB & QB on the same team salary wise unless one is on a rookie contract. By year 3 Jameis should be shouldering the offense with the help of a RB by committee or a rookie RB. Its just the way things work in the salary cap era
February 28th, 2016 at 10:15 am
The argument that makes most sense to me is how we want to build through the draft and he is our homegrown guy! He locks down that position with Sims and James behind him. Done and done! I do not want to hope bringing in a new guy will work out when we know exactly what we have with Doug, and there is a proven track record. This would create a big hole on offense.
February 28th, 2016 at 10:30 am
Transition tag Martin at 9mil. You get first right of refusal. Match it or let him walk. If no match, you got him for 9mil for one year until Cook or Fournette hits the draft in 2017.
February 28th, 2016 at 10:33 am
macabee
Glad to have you back, and I agree. Transition tage would be wise
February 28th, 2016 at 10:35 am
We have no idea what the Bucs have offered Martin. We may be willing to pay him D. Murray money but don’t believe anyone else will offer him that contract.
Let him test the market and if he really wants to be a Buc – give us a chance to match. I think the Bucs are confident that the contract will be “matchable” but…if someone were to come in and Way way over pay him. Then that would be the obstacle licht talks about.
I am on the fence on this one – I’d rather have Martin back then just save the money and put it in our pocket. There is an unwritten rule to not over pay the running back position. In fact, Licht and company really need to be able to replace Martin’s production. The good teams figure it out – I’d rather overpay for a defensive end…my gut tells me he will be a Buc because the market wont way over pay him and the Bucs will match. Everyone is happy
February 28th, 2016 at 10:39 am
Transition Tag
Allows the team to keep “all options open” on the matter. Not ruling out a potential trade
February 28th, 2016 at 10:44 am
I’m feeling what you just said Mac, I’m already milling over thoughts of Cook in the Buccs backfield.
February 28th, 2016 at 10:45 am
Per: NFL.com
Explaining the tag
» The exclusive franchise tag is a one-year tender offer to a player for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater. The player’s team has all negotiating rights to the player.
» The non-exclusive franchise tag is a one-year tender offer determined through a more complicated process. First, the average of the top-five salaries at the position over the last five years is calculated. Next, the percentage against the cap for each of those five seasons is averaged out and applied toward the current season cap to determine the offer amount. The player can negotiate with other teams. The player’s current team has the right to match any offer, or receive two first-round picks as compensation.
» The transition tag is a one-year tender offer to a player for an amount that is the average of the top 10 salaries at the position and is calculated using the same formula as the non-exclusive franchise tag number. It guarantees the original club the right of first refusal to match any offer the player may receive from another team. The transition tag can only be used if the franchise tag is not used by a team in that year. Transition tags can be rescinded, but teams that rescind a transition tag cannot use it again until next season.
February 28th, 2016 at 10:51 am
Good post macabee..agree one million percent…
I read other teams fan boards..and so many teams fans pick Doug as their number one FA player…
February 28th, 2016 at 11:27 am
“I read other teams fan boards..and so many teams fans pick Doug as their number one FA player…”
yeah! because fans know so much…
February 28th, 2016 at 11:33 am
it is just silly to pay an injury-prone back $737,500/game. how many of you people want martin at this price but were glad revis was cut? makes no sense to me.
licht will let martin test the market to show him he is not worth what he is asking. that is what happened to michael bennett. he was not worth what he thought, but he did not want to come back to the bucs when proven wrong.
February 28th, 2016 at 12:19 pm
good idea,macabee
it is really only about 6 Mil and 3 mil bonus that he would have been paid if we picked up his option.
only problem I see is that we have to be as bad the last two years,to get a chance at these backs.
bob,ET from the old days in flats
February 28th, 2016 at 12:24 pm
Joe…..I miss watching Jameis throw footballs.
February 28th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
All this is silly banter.
The Hamster will be back.
February 28th, 2016 at 12:48 pm
It is very unlikely DM will be franchise tagged.
If Doug and/or his agent claim he is worth more than $7M per on a multiyear deal – then they are dreaming.
If Doug is allowed to test the market – then he will likely find that $5-$6M per year is his value on a multi year deal. Plenty of teams will pay a bit more for 1 year – but if he wants a multi year deal – then he will have to be realistic.
Hopefully this all works out and Martin will be back. I think its a 80-90% chance he stays in Tampa Bay. But what happens here is really up to Doug Martin. Bucs are not going to pay $12M for a RB for 1 year. Maybe they will if DM plays hardball because they have the $ – but it is not a wise business decision to grossly overpay like that – regardless of the player. Its the same reason Revis is gone.
February 28th, 2016 at 12:56 pm
I would go $24 mill for 4 years, with half of it guaranteed. That seems more than fair.
However, everyone here is assuming the ball is totally in the Bucs court. Doug and his agent could want more than Murray got. They might want a ton of money and could be unreasonable.
I realize Doug said he wants to stay in Tampa…but what player trying to get a contract would not say that?
GoBuc Says
“I dont see what the risk is in a 4 year 24 mil contract with 18 mil guaranteed. I say this because if you are willing to franchise a guy for 11.5 mil and have 6O mil to spend this season. I mean is 7 extra guaranteed mil really that big of a risk for a guy who just had a season like Doug???”
Here’s the mistake many are making…you guys are looking at the current salary situation of almost $60 mill free, and saying “What’s the problem?”
The contract will affect more years than one.
martinii Says
“There is no reason other than injury that he would back off his performance level…”
And this is where I differ with most. Think about one year wonders. They either play big their first year, and then bust…or they suddenly improve in their contract year in order to get a payday.
In Martin’s case…he played great in year one, bad in years 2 and 3, and then in his contract year, he suddenly became great again.
Now, some people will point out the conditions of the team and injuries during those two years, and rightfully so. But there is still the fact that Martin slimmed down THIS year and not on those previous years. Why?
Because it was a contract year. Why didn’t he make the same effort in previous years? Because they were NOT contract years.
That is where the risk is…and it is risk that Martin is at fault for generating. He created the doubts.
So what is the risk?
That he gets his money and then regresses to bad year form. No one here can guarantee that won’t happen. Yes, we all want to believe in Doug. I know I do. But the risk is still there, and it’s all about the future of the team, not his contract or what’s “fair” to Doug.
As to the money of a franchise tag…that carries its own risk. Saying the agent will say “you’ve just set his value” is bull. It seems reasonable in theory, but the big difference is the lack of additional years, signing bonus and guarantees.
IF he gets a contract, he’s likely get more than the franchise amount this year anyway. He would get his annual salary for the year AND a bonus.
February 28th, 2016 at 12:57 pm
Under the contract I suggested, which I doubt will happen, he would get $6 mill per year and maybe a $3 mill signing bonus. $12 mill guaranteed.
February 28th, 2016 at 1:26 pm
I understand both sides here. I love Dougernaut. I want to see him retire a Buc. But he could very well be asking for far to much money and even though we have a ton of it to give out, that doesnt mean we should. I dont know the situation. I’m going to trust Licht on this. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Not about to blast anybody if this doesnt go right. GO BUCS!!!
February 28th, 2016 at 1:31 pm
@bonsai
Or… being dissappointed that his fifth year option was not picked up and
he would be playing for 2.5 mil instead 5.5,he started a new conditioning program with a trainer in caifornia if memory serves. he came back to prove what he could do.He has gone
on record saying it really helped save his legs.I like Doug and his determination and I think that is what drove him last year.
February 28th, 2016 at 1:34 pm
Please… For the love of all things holy… Re-sign Martin…
February 28th, 2016 at 1:39 pm
Team Glazer needs to step in? Hell, they need to disappear. The mere sight of them might cause martin panic and run… Me think King jameis needs to come to the rescue and talk with martin.
February 28th, 2016 at 1:41 pm
@bonsai by your definition he has earned the right to be no less than a two year wonder
February 28th, 2016 at 2:13 pm
@ Bonzai
…..two hit wonder,two trick pony.Now he didn’t get to the pro bowl his firstyear, andhave
the most runs over 20 yards and be singled out for being the most elusive back this year by being a one year wonder.he has a mix of talent and determination that when healthy makes our team better.IMHO
February 28th, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Not interested don’t care if he stays or goes. Backs dime a dozen. Doug Martin is good he ain’t ap. 6 MIL a year tops or he can walk. Y’all crazy wanting to pay a rb 11 MIL wtf. We’re going to be passing the ball more anyways. Problem with Doug Martin is he is a 2 down back. He sucks at catching and is just average blocking idc what y’all say.
February 28th, 2016 at 6:01 pm
We want Doug, we want Doug, we want Doug!!!
February 28th, 2016 at 6:39 pm
It doesn’t matter what others think he may deserve, it only matters what he means to the BUCS, pay the man !!!!
February 28th, 2016 at 6:48 pm
Man everyone gets on here and says “just sign the guy its no problem”
Do.you not understand that someone is going to offer the guy stupid money flor a rb who only showed up to camp one ouy of four years straight chizzled. I am 100%ok with the tag. Its another prove it year and will be payed for it, but it will also show his mental toughness and true character. If it doesnt work out no big deal if it does he likley wont repeat his season from last year and if he does than at least by that time we will have found and geoomed another young running back (this season)that will be ready to take over the workload. As of now charles simms sounds like the only one with a chance to take over and behind him who knows. Tag his ass!
February 28th, 2016 at 8:19 pm
I think they’ll get him signed before the deadline.
February 28th, 2016 at 8:41 pm
Not to be a contrarian, but Joe, are your sources telling you that he could be signed for 4 and 24 with 18 guaranteed? I am having a hard time seeing the risk in that deal for a pro bowl running back. I know they break down but if you can’t pay Martin that, coming off of his production not sure who you could pay. If the Bucs don’t think he’s worth that contract we should just accept a turnstile approach at the position, drafting one in the top 4 rounds every other year (which actually might be a good plan from a salary management perspective).
February 28th, 2016 at 10:34 pm
The points above are all solid. But the biggest reason to keep martin? Fan support. If you want to keep fans and gain more fans, you have to keep the players that fans love. It would be another red flag for the fan base if doug is not retained. The glazers have been giving it’s fans nothing for the last decade plus. It is time to give the fans a win here. The coaches and players want martin back. Everybody and everything points to the bucs keeping doug. The only reason not to keep doug, is the money. And even that is a weak excuse because we have ton of cap space. There is literally no reason not to re sign doug to a 3 or 4 yr contract. Just get it done. I can’t imagine doug is asking an outlandish price. He deserves 6-8 mill a year. Just get the deal done already.
February 29th, 2016 at 1:48 am
At the end of the 2015 season, Licht claimed the Bucs have the talent to make the playoffs in the 2016 season
this is the problem right here. what drugs is he on? you need help at wr de dt cb .this one of the least talented teams in the nfl . this fool will fire dirk too
February 29th, 2016 at 7:30 am
@knucknbuc you are only half right. agree that Martins limited receiving
skills are the reason that
Sims is often in on 3 rd down.But having two complementary backs is a good thing. Getting big chunk plays from backs opened up the offense for Jameis.
Licht has reason to try to rein Martin contract in : injuries and pass catching skills.
Now please name the dozen backs that had the the most runs over 20 yard,broke as many tackles as martin and had the production of Martin.
February 29th, 2016 at 7:45 am
As the general manager, Its Jason Licht’s job to manage the checkbook and put the best possible players on the field. Right now Doug Martin is right there with AP for being the best in the league. Having a good running game is critical. If Martin leaves, we end up wasting picks to replace him that are better served elsewhere. As soon as he walks, running back becomes one of our top needs, right up there with DE and corner. Unless the team thinks that Sims can be the answer. Its possible but it is a risk that a losing team does not need. We need more top caliber players not less. We have one in Doug, lets keep that chess piece in place and sign the man.
February 29th, 2016 at 7:53 am
You have to give our offensive line a lot of credit for the production of our backs. Martin could choose to go somewhere else and be a bust like Murray.
So if he is smart he goes nowhere unless they have a strong QB and good run blocking line.
February 29th, 2016 at 8:27 am
You dont let elite talent go when you can afford to pay them
February 29th, 2016 at 10:32 am
Doug is one of the best running backs in the league and he just turned 27 in January. He has relatively low miles because of all the missed games due to the torn labrum and other minor injuries.
He’s likely to have 3 or 4 excellent seasons left, why not break the bank and pay the man a top contract? He’s flat out earned it by working hard and producing results on the field.
Signing Martin to a healthy contract would show other young Bucs that the team is committed to retaining their home-grown stars and it would show other free agents that the Bucs are willing to pay top dollar for top shelf talent.
Let’s face reality, the Bucs have a reputation for running the team on the cheap ever since Malcolm died and the sons fired Gruden and ran off the aging star players. There’s a whole generation of football fans that think the Bucs are cheapskates, it’s time to put that salary cap money to good use and makes some waves in free agency.