“$7 Million Is The Max” For Doug Martin
March 4th, 2016
Longtime NFL writer Mike Garafolo of FOXSports.com, also a talking head on FS1, is convinced he knows what’s going to happen with Doug Martin.
At least he was a few days ago.
Garafolo joined a FOX podcast and explained that he’s sure Martin will re-sign with the Bucs but “$7 million is the max” per year. Martin and his camp, Garafolo said, must realize that they’ll have accept “south” of the $20 million guaranteed and the $8 million per year that DeMarco Murray fleeced the Eagles of last year.
Garafolo was firm in his speech, and keep in mind he just returned from mingling with agents and general managers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
This is comforting, though it clashes a bit with Mike Florio just saying Martin should expect a $4 million-per-year market for his services. Former Bucs rockstar general manager Mark Dominik also recently said $6 million per year was an expected max for Martin.
Welcome to the silly season.
If Martin isn’t on the Bucs this season, well, then look for Joe at the nearest ER.
March 4th, 2016 at 12:07 pm
$6m, $12 guaranteed.
March 4th, 2016 at 12:08 pm
I would be such a horrible thing if they decide let Jameis go win games instead of running 45 times a game. If they let Martin you can bet it has more to to with changing how this team plays. They shouldn’t over pay him. They should over pay to get the top DE and CB, spend on a WR. Maybe a G or a RT. I’d rather see them lay Matt Forte half of what Martin gets and throw the ball 40+ times a game.
March 4th, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Due to his injury history I wouldn’t go higher than $6 mil a year… @ $12 mil signing bonus paid in years one and two… And put a clause in there that states every time he fumbles he loses $250k…
March 4th, 2016 at 12:18 pm
Our offense is young enough that I’d rather get Edwards from OSU at number 9 and lock him up on a rookie’s contract for 5 years than give Martin a kings ransom. Seriously.
If the draft is this deep, we’ll still get our defensive needs addressed. Flame away.
March 4th, 2016 at 12:23 pm
sorry, EZEKIEL ELLIOTT.
March 4th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
Whether Doug Martin is worth 7 mil or not is not the question. The question is do you want to upset that outstanding chemistry martin has going with this offense. I say..NO. You guys think Jameis hustling and throwin a lot now? Lose Martin. And see how many more runs and passes Jameis is gonna have to perform. And he won’t be successful on many of them. I would set the limit right at 7 mil though. My guess is the Bucs want to pay him 4 or 5 mil a yr.
PAY THE MAN and move on Bucs. We are gonna look real embarrassed if Doug plays against us and puts his foot in our…A’s!
March 4th, 2016 at 12:38 pm
I’ve read a few articles that are saying the “Bucs love Ezikial Elliott and will take him at 9”. Take it for what it’s worth.
March 4th, 2016 at 12:58 pm
And this is why tagging him for 11.8 million would’ve been ludicrous.
March 4th, 2016 at 1:00 pm
The importance of a workhorse back has greatly diminished in recent years and honestly, I wouldn’t be too mad to see Doug go. Only 1 playoffs team last year had a 1,000 yard rusher and look how easily teams are converting late round/ udfa running backs into stars. I’m not sold on Chuck as our only back but if Doug wants to break the bank, I’ll wait until Dalvin Cook is available next year.
March 4th, 2016 at 1:15 pm
Doug can easily be signed for 6.5 mil for the first year or 2, and prob about 4 mil the next 2 years. I would guess about 11 – 13mil guaranteed total. Seems about right. We can easily afford that too.
March 4th, 2016 at 1:54 pm
salish_seamonster Says:
And this is why tagging him for 11.8 million would’ve been ludicrous.
————————–
Agree. Players don’t like the tag, it’s not an incentive for someone looking for his first, and last, big contract. It’s his right to test the market
I can’t blame Licht for exercising fiscal discipline either as long as the initial numbers were in the range. Remember, we do have a third down option who’s a better receiver too.
As far as the chemistry goes, it’s one year, one player.
March 4th, 2016 at 2:14 pm
The contract (which the players voted to approve) between the NFLPA and the NFL suggests otherwise.
March 4th, 2016 at 2:19 pm
*Cap Overview
• Salary Cap: 155,000,000
• Player Salaries: 103,609,044
• Dead Money: 390,237
• Carryover: 9,083,104
• Reserved for Draft Picks: 5,000,000
• Cap Space Remaining: 55,083,823 🙂
March 4th, 2016 at 2:24 pm
(Additional Space: $11,250,000)
• Logan Mankins G $7,000,000
• Bruce Carter ILB $4,250,000
= $66,333,000 🙂
March 4th, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Taking a RB in the early first round in this day and age is ridiculous. The Bucs must focus on Defense with that pick.
And as for Doug Martin, I totally agree with Mike Johnson. Pay the Man!
March 4th, 2016 at 2:31 pm
4 Years – $25M – $12M Guaranteed ($5M for 2016 salary, $2M for 2017 salary + a $5M signing bonus).
That’s the magic #.
March 4th, 2016 at 2:32 pm
$ needed for Rookie contracts is closer to $10M LUV
March 4th, 2016 at 2:32 pm
@LUVMYBUCS … Looks like you don’t love Mankins and Carter $11,250,000 worth. Neither may be super-stars at this point, but they’re both under contract and are at least ‘average’ players at their respective positions. I for one hope that Mankins decides to play one more year for us, and that we don’t do something dumb like release Bruce Carter. We’ve got enough holes to fill as it is.
March 4th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
in madden dougie is costing me 12million a year
March 4th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
i wish joe had add!
seems like he locks into one thing every offseason and rides it into the ground. this year it is the ridiculous notion that martin is worth $737,500/game.
funny how all the other times he had articles talking about runningbacks losing value and getting them in the 5th round, yadayada. but his obsessive mancrush on doug “drug-from-behind” martin is blinding him to reality.
Sorry you’re not capable of seeing how situations change year to year. A team is not some sort of thing you can build effectively on a spreadsheet. –Joe
March 4th, 2016 at 2:34 pm
As of right now – we only have 2 players – hitting free agency – on the offensive side of the ball.
Doug Martin RB
Bobby Rainey RB
March 4th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Defense Rule
I hearing brudda
Possible Upgrades for Mankins/Carter
G/T – Alex Boone
OLB – Nigel Bradham
March 4th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
“(Additional Space: $11,250,000)
• Logan Mankins G $7,000,000
• Bruce Carter ILB $4,250,000
= $66,333,000 :)”
and yet joe wanted the bucs to pay more than that for doug “drug-from-behind” martin at $11.8 million…smh
March 4th, 2016 at 2:38 pm
A first round rb isn’t ridiculous. Not when your team has a franchise qb,monsters to block for him. Receivers always open and don’t drop passes. Defensive ends that can’t be blocked. Unmovable objects at DT. Corners that stick like glue. Linebackers who are always where they need to be and don’t miss tackles. Safeties that are dependable. Since we have all that, Biff’s idea sounds like a great one.
March 4th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Pickgrin
(Projected Draft Compensation:)
9th Pick: $2,631,676
39th Pick: $1,033,836
74th Pick: $633,292
$10 Million? – Can U provide a source?
March 4th, 2016 at 2:45 pm
And this time last year – many including Joe were talking a lot about trading Martin because we might as well get a 5th round pick as that was all that anyone would offer instead of keep him since he was basically worthless after 2 bad seasons. My how times have changed.
I said a bunch of times last year that Doug would have a big year in 2015 if the OLine could play halfway decently. And look what happened.
March 4th, 2016 at 2:45 pm
To my bucs fan and joe. Do u think its possible that the bucs may be planning to draft E. Elliot out of Ohio St is 1 reason they are slow about resigning Martin…I hear there is plenty talent at defensive ends and linemen in this year’s draft and with a new d line coach who I hear is pretty good the bucs brass may see some talent already on the roster E. Elliot is rated in the top 10 players in this year’s draft and also does this make any sense ( just asking )
March 4th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Sorry SuperSam didn’t see that u had already commented about the bucs and E. Elliot
March 4th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Mstevbobucfan….if Martin walks, a very good possibility (tenn Titans is my guess) getting Elliott to grow with Winston Evans and Seferian-Jenkins for the next 8 years sounds like a helluva plan…as long as the rest of the draft is all defense….also a great offense keeps the defense on the bench, I think the BUCS defense has talent it was lovies coaching that ruined the Bucs
March 4th, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Also everyone clamoring to keep Martin, he’s gone in 2 years just when Winston starts taking over games, he’s gonna have to break in a new RB anyways might as get the unquestioned number 1 RB in this draft….how mad would all the Martin lovers be if Elliott turns out to be our Edgerrin James, not much
March 4th, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Nigel Bradham (26) ( is above average in space – and a better down field thumper; than Bruce Carter. Reportedly looking for a contract around $4,000,000 annually
Alex Boone (28): Utility knife – can either guard or tackle. Historically one of the better run blocking guards in the league. Reportedly looking for a contract around $7,000,000 annually
March 4th, 2016 at 3:03 pm
My bad LUV – was thinking of last year when the #1 pick alone got $5M. And yet – you only listed 3 picks that add to $4.3M. There are 4 more picks after that + any UFAs that are signed. Minimum NFL salary for anyone who makes the team is around $500k – If Licht and his Scouts do their job well and bring in talented rookies via draft and UFA – I’d say at least $7-8M of this year’s cap will go towards rookies.
March 4th, 2016 at 3:11 pm
Pickgrin
No worries brudda – Yeah the additional 4 picks probably somewhere between 2 to $2,500,000 in additional cap.
March 4th, 2016 at 3:28 pm
Joe Says:
Agree. Players don’t like the tag, it’s not an incentive for someone looking for his first, and last, big contract. It’s his right to test the market
The contract (which the players voted to approve) between the NFLPA and the NFL suggests otherwise.
——————————
True. The tag is a rather lengthy debate further aided by copious quantities of quality adult beverages.
However, it does impede the player testing the free market and offers no protection against a career ending injury. IMO the NFLPA caved for a short term payday.
Martin wants a 3-4 year deal right?
March 4th, 2016 at 3:33 pm
@Lurker
When Joe falls for a player……he falls hard!
I remember the Johnnie Football summer love affair, then a brief rebound with Joshie McCown…..and his to die for man mane…I knew that would never last.
And now The Muscle Hampster. Pickgrin was right, Joe was sooo over him last year.
But something must have changed……. perhaps while DM was changing in the locker room they locked eyes, Joe smiled sheepishly and ran home to rip his Johnnie Football poster off his bedroom ceiling.
And nowJoe stands by his new man and proclaims to the world that DM is worth whatever he wants.
I guess Joe just feels too much
Go Bucs!
March 4th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
I’m sorry but this team is not drafting a RB in the first round.
Ain’t gonna happen.
March 4th, 2016 at 3:48 pm
“I guess Joe just feels too much”
translation:
i guess joe just obsessive-compulsives/stalker too much
lol
March 4th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
Nigel Bradham is a player. That would make for a strong LB unit.
March 4th, 2016 at 4:07 pm
I still think that NFL GM Licht is hoping that a team swoops in and over pays 8 million a year for DM22!!! Then he can just say that the Bucs had a “fair” market deal on the table! Then the Bucs can feature CM34 who is a better fit for the new offense (especially the 2017 version) and still gets a very high compensatory pick!!!!
March 4th, 2016 at 4:08 pm
How the heck can a guy command that type of money when he 1) can’t stay healthy for 2 consecutive seasons and 2) doesn’t catch the football very well out of the backfield? I’m a big DM fan and want to see him in a Bucs uniform, but I think it’d be crazy to pay more than $5mil per year.
March 4th, 2016 at 4:08 pm
If Martin walks, are the Bucs awarded a 1st round pick as a result?
Isn’t there something about that in the rules?
March 4th, 2016 at 4:16 pm
The Buc Realist Says:
(especially the 2017 version)
So we are changing offenses after this season? Again????
That’s a positive thought.
March 4th, 2016 at 4:19 pm
@Bonzai
Now that lovie is gone and JW3 is no longer a rookie, The offense will evolve into the true 4 vert offense!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!
March 4th, 2016 at 4:34 pm
unbelievable Says:
I’m sorry but this team is not drafting a RB in the first round.
Ain’t gonna happen.
——————————
Improbable, not impossible. But it is ironic that Martin was a first round talent right?
March 4th, 2016 at 4:41 pm
The rules for compensatory picks are muddy at best, but it wouldn’t be a 1st round pick.
From the link below: “Basically, the league awards 32 extra picks each year, with those picks ranging from rounds 3-7 (not stated above, but a true statement). The number of picks a team may receive is based on the number of free agents they lose; signed free agents cancel out a player lost. Compensation does not figure into this calculation; a player signed cancels out the player lost, no matter the contract either player signs.”
http://www.thephinsider.com/2014/3/26/5548312/football-101-compensatory-picks
March 4th, 2016 at 5:39 pm
He’s worth 8 easy. Does anyone think Mankins is worth 7mil this year or last year? When VJax initially signed a 10 mil. a year deal was anyone complaining. How is Doug not worth even close to this (10mil)?
March 4th, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Very interesting comments from you all…I am starting to really think they are planning the 2017 season more than 2016…I see players all “aging” together..growing together type deal..which at first..I didn’t want to see..but now I can understand the foot drag with DM’s contract..
Like I mentioned awhile back..many of our Bucs couldn’t get a legal drink a year and a half ago..
I just don’t want to be in Depends and be on a walker cheering my Bucs making the playoffs..I really want it soon..lol…
March 4th, 2016 at 5:43 pm
JabooBuc
WLB Lavonte David
MLB Kwon Alexander
SLB Nigel Bradham
No Doubt Brudda, No Doubt
March 4th, 2016 at 5:48 pm
PROSPECT UPDATE: OLB/DE NOAH SPENCE
Source: Tony Pauline
Eastern Kentucky DE Noah Spence improved his forty time at his Pro Day on Friday.
Scouts from 24 teams were on hand for Spence’s workout, according to draft expert Tony Pauline. Spence ran in miserable conditions but still clocked a forty in the high 4.6 to mid 4.7 range. That’s far better than the 4.80 he recorded at last week’s Scouting Combine. Spence faces some off-field question marks after failing two drug tests during his time at Ohio State, but he should have his name called in the first round.
March 4th, 2016 at 5:49 pm
NOAH SPENCE
HEIGHT: 6’2″ | WEIGHT: 251LBS.
ARM LENGTH: 33″ | HANDS: 10 3/4″
• 40 YD DASH: 4.70 SEC (*Previous Time)
• BENCH PRESS: 25 REPS
• VERT JUMP: 35.0 INCH
• BROAD JUMP: 121.0 INCH
• 3 CONE DRILL: 7.21 SEC
• 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.35 SEC
*NFL COMPARISON (ROBERT QUINN)
ROBERT QUINN
HEIGHT: 6’4″ | WEIGHT: 265LBS.
ARM LENGTH: 34″ | HANDS: 10 1/8″
• 40 YD DASH: 4.70 SEC
• BENCH PRESS: 22 REPS
• VERT JUMP: 34.0 INCH
• BROAD JUMP: 116.0 INCH
• 3 CONE DRILL: 7.13 SEC
• 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.40 SEC
March 4th, 2016 at 5:54 pm
I have been telling everyone I talk to about the situation that the Bucs should put the cap at 6.5 Mil for DM. I guess 7 would do but not unless another team offers him that.
March 4th, 2016 at 5:57 pm
God I hope we can trade back and get more picks because the value at 9 doesn’t seem much different than 15-25
March 4th, 2016 at 6:35 pm
Bucs SB with Jameis Says
Bucs SB with Jameis Says
Given Licht’s prior history with Philly + + Possible departure of Doug Martin. Something to keep an eye on
March 4th, 2016 at 6:35 pm
I’m thinking the same about trading back too, but more like the drop off is after pick 10.
GM’s know this, so outside the 10, I’d suspect trading partners will be bunched a handful of picks apart and only giving up late rounders.
Lots of depth in the trenches.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:04 pm
LUVMYBUCS- 3 LBs with speed that can bring it can cover a lot of holes. Get some talent then the draft on the edges and in the secondary and you have a much improved defense overnight.
March 4th, 2016 at 7:24 pm
CHEAPONEERS. You’d pay washed up Mankins 7 mil to come back. But you won’t pay 7 or 8 for martin to booster your dead A.. franchise…. To take tons of pressure off of your QB. I hope he does bolt for more $$.
March 4th, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Bills release Leadonis Mckelvin a corner who was on that stout pass defense when Shwartz was the coordinator. We really need more than just Verner, Moore and Banks (All average as of now). If we don’t draft a corner in an early round, get some quality free agents over here. Depth is extra important at that position, Mike Jenkins is washed up and Jude AB suuucks.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:29 pm
How was licht and lovie so willing to pay Carter 5 mil to sit on the bench, but won’t pay martin 6-7 mil for tearing up defenses and being a corner stone of our offense. We waste so much money on free agents every year. But we refuse to pay our own productive players. It is so frustrating seeing good players walk, only to be replaced by more expensive, less productive, slugs.
PAY DOUG MARTIN. free agency has failed the bucs more times than not. Trust the player you know, and sign Martin.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:36 pm
Luvmybucs… Why would we over pay for a sucky rb, when we won’t fairly pay our really good rb? The numbers would be similar. If you won’t pay martin 7 mil a year, why would you pay demarco murray 7 mil a year?
It isnt an issue of whether doug is worth that much money. It’s an issue of if licht is willing to spend that much money on any RB.
My guess is that the bucs and Martin have a gentleman’s agreement. doug will test the waters. See what his market value is, and let the bucs sign him to a fair market contract.
March 4th, 2016 at 10:52 pm
I wouldn’t give him more than 4 to 5 million a year tops. If he was consistent throughout his career it would be a different story. He had a great rookie year. Then basically took a couple years off. Then when money was on the line again he performed well. That is one of the biggest red flags in all sports.
Plus RB is such an undervalued position now. I would rather have Chris Ivory for cheaper. Or even a younger more athletic and under used guy named Lamar Miller. He doesn’t have the wear and tear on his body. Since Miami refused to give him the ball. All he did when they did was put up great numbers.
He is only 25 and averaged 4.5 YPC and 8 TD on only 194 carries and only 410 the past 2 seasons. He had 47 catches with 2 TDs. And a 8.4 average per catch. And the best part is he has only missed 3 games in his career and they were all in his rookie season. Durability and talent. A combo of Miller and Sims would be scary for many years to come.
March 5th, 2016 at 9:09 am
-Bonzai,
it’s a pain to try and figure out the numbers but it’s most likely the bucs would be rewarded a 3rd round compensary pick if dougy walks. Possibly a 2nd but more than likely a 3rd or a 4th at the very worst.
March 5th, 2016 at 3:00 pm
The NFL is a mans game people. You cannot predict injuries and I don’t think it’s fair to hold that over a players head cause he got hurt. I also understand that if you’re not available to be on the field on Sundays that nothing else matters. Doug has shown what he can do when he’s healthy. The dude was 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards behind only AP and first in yards after contact I believe. My point being we need to keep him. He doesn’t have break away speed but the guy will fight for every blade of grass he can get.
I also believe that Doug was instrumental in jameis’ development. When dougy was on the field the defense had to respect the run which opened up the field for Winston. I would hate to see him leave.
Shoutout to LUV for the stats. Us lazy posters appreciate it haha.
March 6th, 2016 at 8:25 am
@Realist
I am all for the four verticals,but our line is better at run blocking IMHO.
We would need to improve pass blocking or sacks and hits on Winston will increase exponentially. So I still think there is a big need for Martin if we want to keep Winston on the field as we transition to four verticals. just not for 8 mil.