Licht Tipped Off Martin Plans?
March 2nd, 2016
Interesting words from Jason Licht.
So here we sit, wondering if Doug Martin will ever carry a football for the Bucs again.
It is a real possibility.
Yesterday, by not placing any sort of tag on Martin, and by not inking him (yet?) to a deal, it sure looks like Martin’s agent will be very busy, as Martin will hit the free agent market. Other teams can recruit him March 7, barring the Bucs and Martin signing a contract between now and then.
But did Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht tip his hand on Martin? Consider what Licht said when asked about the status of left guard Logan Mankins at his NFL Scouting Combine press conference.
“[Mankins’] decision isn’t going to have any sort of hindrance on what we’re planning on doing for the future,” Licht said. “You’ve got to build, you’ve got to look three years ahead, so his decision isn’t going to hurt us in any way right now, with what we’re planning on doing.”
Does that three-year plan include Martin? Joe believes, no.
Joe has stated time and again that whatever happens between the Bucs and Martin in the coming days, Martin is not on the Bucs roster come the 2018 season.
After the 2017 season, Martin will be 29. We all know what happens to running backs who push the age of 30 not named “Adrian Peterson.” Most all of them hit the wall of Father Time, who is an unforgiving SOB.
Could it be with such a short shelf life, Licht simply decided to dig in his heels and not cough up a large chunk of Team Glazer loot for Martin?
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:05 am
Yes. Exactly. Good move Jason.
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:20 am
Or it could be that Martin told Jason he would give him a chance to match the best offer he receives.
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:25 am
Licht studied under the Patriots and look at how much value they place in RBs. I like Doug but he’s not a game changer. He gets caught from behind way too much and doesn’t score enough TDs. That’s him playing his best ball so it’s only gonna get worse as he gets older. We’ll see what the market will pay him but to pay 8+ mil for him is a lil much. We need a RB with speed that can finish and score.
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:30 am
Licht has learned his lesson with handing out big contracts to players not names McCoy or David. I think their gonna let Dougy test the water and see what he’s worth and the bucs will present there offer. Let’s just hope it’s as much or more than what the other team is offering. I wouldn’t be shocked if Dougy’s wearing a Raiders uni come opening day. 😠😢💵💵💸💸💰💰💰
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:32 am
Or it could be that DOUGI turns into the next AP and just blew the chance of a lifetime! THE BACK-STABBER CONDPIRACY RUNS DEEP!!
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:37 am
Or…. It could be that “AC/DC loving Bucs GM Jason Licht” isn’t exactly the genius some of us previously thought he was and is going to pull a Dominik and let one of the most productive players on the team walk “for no good reason”. I cannot apologize when I say that we, as Bucs fans, know that, while we do have some talent, we have had yearly reservations at the Top Ten draft hotel for a reason. We don’t exactly have a plethora of young”ish” stud football players. We can’t exactly afford to gamble on whether Doug re-ups with us or not. If the market for this guy is, as Mike Florio indicates, 4 milly, and he wants, say, 8 milly, why can’t we spend or 7 on him? So much was said about how keeping Dirk Koetter was so important for the development of Jameis. Is a productive run game not equally as important\? Or close???
I know we have holes to fill, but come on. How do you let a guy that you traded back into the first round to get that has shown what he can do walk for no compensation. Let’s not be the Cowboys.
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:49 am
I think the scenario that Licht wants to see play out, Is that Another team overpays for DM22!!! Licht can then say that they “tried” and had a deal on the table for him, but a team overpayed the market. Then he will not be signing a risky player who is on the age of decline!!! and he will get a High Compensatory pick!!!
More and More NFL Personnel are starting to say that the magic number of RB is “28” on NFL radio, Unless the guy is a physical freak like AP!!!!
Go NFL GM Licht!!!!
and Go Bucs!!!!
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:50 am
After the 2017 season he’ll be 29. And here we are facing 2 seasons before then. I still say sign him! Dont over pay but work something out….unless he’s too greedy and just asking for too much.
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:57 am
I said it yesterday and I’ll repeat it: beware when handing out big money to running backs, especially ones with a history of injury.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:00 am
Btw, just know that my gf who lives with me drives a 1997 sub $1000 car and I drive a 1998 sub $1000 truck. Trust me, Im proud of it….happiness is in other priorities where they’re more affordable, such as actual happiness. But seeing some of these players hold out for hundreds of thousands or millions is really something to watch unfold.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:01 am
My question is….What in the hell is Tampa Bay gonna spend 50 million dollars on? And many of you may not know, the Bucs have the top available cash for 2017 too. They have done a great job of managing money. Getting rid of dead money last year. But they need to improve. That means two to three starters in free agency. Not half-assed backups, but starters. Add 3 more from the draft and we should be a force to recken with. And we’ve got the available cash in the future to keep some top notch players.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:01 am
I second your enthusiasm Realist.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:02 am
Stop with the “29” BS.
The guy is 27, has low miles, no major knee issues he is one of top RBs in the league and is in his prime.
It is idiotic if they don’t re- sign him for 4 years.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:09 am
Lamar Miller is a better value for $6 mil a year, younger, bigger and faster than Martin, or maybe Licht will make a move and try and trade for Murray.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:12 am
It amazes me how fans truly believe that they own the Glazers money and can decide what a player deserves to be paid. Doug Martin will sign with the Broncos and we will be singing the same song about every Buc who leaves and make it to the playoff or superbowl with a different team.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:12 am
He’s a 50/50 back. He can and will be replaced. Having a franchise qb that actually makes plays will make any running back / running gsme better. Stop acting like martin is not replaceable or even great. 2 good and 2 bad seasons does not make one great or irreplaceable it makes him average. 50/50 simple as that. It’s about actual results not what ifs and excuses. Bucs future is very bright with or without martin.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:15 am
@bee
I love when all you analyst point out Martin getting caught from behind 40 and 50 yards downfield but neglect to mention he is one of only 4 backs that can or has shown he can consistently rip off runs for that distance. Sure, we can sign miller who has speed but does not have the vision nor the balance nor the patience to do it. Since martin has been in the league, there has been 4 200 yard rushing games. Martin has two of them. Hate on him all you want, but he will go down as another buc blunder if we let him go.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:25 am
And this is football. Im not sure if some of you know, but injuries can happen to anyone at anytime. What we do know, when healthy, martin has performed as a top flight running back evident by his pro bowls and all pro status. All these players like miller who has been healthy but has never performed at that level should be a red flag.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:27 am
Did this dude just say he’s going to sign with the Broncos??? Hahaha Broncos can’t afford to keep their defense together not to mention they have Von Miller’s contract to deal with and they have to figure out what they’re doing at QB since Osweiler is set to hit the market and I doubt Peyton has a productive year left in him. They’re also asking Demarcus Ware and Ryan Clady to take pay cuts because they’re trying to make more cap room. You think they’ll shell out $7-8 million a year for Doug? I HIGHLY doubt that!
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:40 am
How many “running backs are a dime a dozen” have two seasons of 1400+ yards In 4 seasons. Not only that, two completely different offensive lines (actually 4 different o-lines). I’m not saying there aren’t other backs that may succeed (Lamar Miller), but not feeling the not resigning of Martin, if the Bucs go that way.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:50 am
How much of it was Doug and how much of it was the oline? Look what happened after Murray left Dallas. If he walks all they need to do is find a suitable replacement which there are a ton of options to pair up with sims. I like DM22 but there is absolutely no reason to pay a running back not named AP more than 5-6 mil a year.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:56 am
@ old bill
Murry had 1800+ yards running in dallas. His replacement barely broke 1000 yards. Thats a huge drop off in production because it was a drop off in talent. Also kelly did not utilize murray properly. Thats a coaching problem and not a murray problem.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:57 am
I like Martin…..Joe likes Martin….JBFs like Martin…..Jason likes Martin…Koetter likes Martin…..Martin’s agent likes Martin… Pablo likes Martin & Martin likes Martin…..
Now….that being said, let’s let this play out…..we still have some negotiating time…..but we have no leverage until Martin gets offered another deal….then we can decide if he’s worth matching or beating the offer.
There apparently isn’t any animosity between the parties & Martin would like to stay so I’m confident we will have a fair shot at him.
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:03 am
Those saying let him walk….. WHY?
Did you watch last year? He is a much better back than Simms. He is more explosive and elusive and harder to tackle.
They have tons of cash that has to be spent, why wouldn’t they sign him?
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:03 am
So it’s okay to spend obscene coin on miserable talent like McCown, Anthony Collins, Michael Johnson, George Johnson (plus 5th rounder, yuck) and EDS but can’t make a reasonable investment in a drafted, critical player that has actually earned it. All this because Licht was foolish enough not to pick up the 5th year option in his rookie deal. Essentially doubling down to avoid paying for his own screw up, also known as cutting off your nose to spite your face. Classic egotistical sht that puts his reputation above what’s best for this football team.
Incompetence has a new name.
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:16 am
@Tampabaybuc
There is no guarantee the bucs will get a chance to match. Thats the risk you take when a player hit the open market without the transition tag.
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:26 am
You guys really don’t think Martin is a game changer?? WTH? How many times was he caught behind the los and fought his ass off to pick up 5 yards? How many times did we see him break tackles through a pile and break off big runs? He almost had the rushing title for god sakes. Bucs are making a mistake letting him walk, and it show how clueless some bucs fans can be.
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:31 am
@tiny Tim
I love how you analysts point out stats to help your point but the only stat that really matters imo is TDs. Because TDs, puts points on the board, not yards. TDs help you win more than yards. His best 2 years here didn’t get us any closer to the playoffs. Obviously injuries happen but that’s not a good excuse. He had 2 down years. You don’t really know what kind of back your getting. 2015 Martin or 2014 Martin. I like Doug a lot but if we don’t keep him it’s not the end of the world. It’s easy to spend money that’s not yours. If I was an owner I wouldn’t be excited to break the bank on a questionable player. Just because we have money to spend doesn’t mean you spend it foolishly. The owners are watching Licht to see how he spends especially after the FA debacle a few years ago. This is becoming a throwing team anyway. I want to see him stay but I’d rather the team break the bank on a quality DE than a RB.
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:32 am
That’s the point. Licht. is NOT going to be STUPID and over pay. And get off the we have boat loads of cash people. Just because you have X amount that has to be spent does NOT mean you blow it in Stupid ways. Love the “just give him what he wants crowd”. Your the type that you would win the Lottery and it would be gone the next day!
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:37 am
Licht is actually a genius. He’s just doing this to position the Bucs into the number 1 overall pick in 2017 when he can draft Dalvin Cook. Sneaky sneaky sneaky. I see what you’re up to mr. licht. #brilliant
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:39 am
The Bucs have cash to spend however they don’t need to do a LOVIE and just spend it to spend it.. Some of these guys get big contracts and then its take plays off, play to not get hurt or sit out when they feel a little pain.
**Cough Cough*** – McCoy
Offer him a reasonable contract if he takes it great if not well move on there are other RB’s out there that would love to play with a Jamies at QB…
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:41 am
Joe, What Licht is really saying is that they have a three year plan to build a top flight roster. Organically. Depth comes not through FA but smart drafting.
It’s quite possible that we are going to draft out future workhorse RB in the 3rd or 4th as opposed to being committed to a big contract for an inconsistent back.
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:43 am
It’s gonna suck seeing Jameis without a running game…
Way to help out #3 Licht
March 2nd, 2016 at 9:48 am
Tampa Tony- haven’t you heard that all backs are created equal not named Adrian Peterson?
March 2nd, 2016 at 10:04 am
Doug wants to see what his value is on the open market… Can’t blame him…Bucs are willing to gamble his market value is matchable… 2 down back that fumbles a little bit….
March 2nd, 2016 at 10:09 am
@ bee
You are too funny. This is not fantacy football. His long runs led to touchdowns. Who the f&$k cares who scored on the drive? Oh the damn fantasy nerds i guess. What? He did not help you win your fantasy trophy that you and your family members pass around each year? Get the he!! Out of here. This is real football talk. Go to the fantacy board for that dribble.
March 2nd, 2016 at 10:34 am
Ah, the business side of the NFL!
I’d like Martin to stay but that decision is not up to me, or you for that matter. He fits our scheme and is a hard runner. If he leaves, he will be missed but there ARE options.
Now, when I say “options”, Lamar Miller is NOT one of them. If you’re in the LM camp, take another look. Watch any ‘Fins game and then tell me this is the guy. Miller is 1/2 the back that Martin is. This guy gets tackled by a blade of grass!!!
March 2nd, 2016 at 10:49 am
Most of us would agree that Licht hit a grand slam last year, so perhaps he will school us once again. Let’s at least give him a chance to play it out before critiquing, he’s earned it. Instead, watch closely mates, speak no ill will until it’s time, and let’s try showing a little patience. After all, we are Bucs fans, we’ve got a lot of practice at that. In Licht I trust.
March 2nd, 2016 at 11:17 am
Ladies and Gentlemen..put your hands together..and welcome to the Filmore..some ole friends with a brand new name…The Tampa Bay Cheaponeersl!!!!
March 2nd, 2016 at 11:17 am
I’m going to trust Licht and Koetter for sure..The shock of not tagging Martin has worn off for me..so now..it’s just a matter of seeing what’s behind the scenes..that we don’t know about…yet..
In Licht, I will trust..
GO BUCS!!
March 2nd, 2016 at 11:41 am
^^^Licht’s record in free agency should not instill trust.
That is unless you think Trash McCown, Anthony Collins, Michael Johnson, George Johnson (& 5th rounder) and EDS were huge successes. Then yeah I can see why you say faithfully trust Licht.
March 2nd, 2016 at 11:55 am
Cry, Cry, Cry. If Lovie did not want to keep any of them non of them they would not have been here. Lovie decided WHO stayed on the roster. Quit crying like a little girl.
March 2nd, 2016 at 12:01 pm
This…
“…Stop with the “29” BS.
The guy is 27, has low miles, no major knee issues he is one of top RBs in the league and is in his prime…”
March 2nd, 2016 at 12:04 pm
He is not even gone yet! Nobody knows what is going on between them.
March 2nd, 2016 at 12:16 pm
@ tiny Tim
Lol…smh, I see you’re thinking tiny as well. First off, I don’t play fantasy football. Waste of time. Second, obviously Licht agrees with me cuz he isn’t signed. Lol…no this is real football and in real football…scoring trumps all! Not every long run he had lead to a score. Remember the Washington game? Oh you dont, let me explain remind you how he got caught from behind at the one yard line. 4 plays later we turned it over on downs. That 6pts could’ve helped us win, but they lost. That’s just one example. Long runs and massive yardage doesn’t mean anything if you don’t score and if you don’t win. Martin is so great but we only won 6 games. Hell AP in Minnesota couldn’t run his team to a playoff win. Relax dude, if Martin wants to play here, he will. But at this point, why overpay when you don’t have to. Especially when it won’t lead to more wins. Get it? Wins, the most important stat of all.
March 2nd, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Bucfan20- if you are referring to me it is crying it is legitimately disagreeing. These two things are very different.
Now, are you saying that Jason Licht really was incompetent Lovie Smith’s little lapdog GM and bears no responsibility for the dumpster fire they brought to this team when they showed up?
Because I think people want to have it both ways. Sonehow he is a great GM as long we don’t hold him accountable. Sounds familiar…just like the pass incompetent Lovie Smith got from you ham n eggers when he showed up.
If Martin is not signed Jason Licht is an incompetent GM. This situation demands a deal get done and a quality GM would get it done.
March 2nd, 2016 at 12:41 pm
DallasBuc-Yes You.Cry like a little girl. You nor I have any Idea what is going on at OBP. What deal has been made. Lovie and Licht worked together not just Licht. But YOU want to scream it was all Licht. If Martin and his agent have rejected a deal that is on them and they may still be working on it. OR Martin may want to test out side. But he has said he wants to stay in Tampa. But to Cry over and over it is all Licht’s fault because he was not STUPID enough to pay a back 11.8 million for 1 year or has not completed a deal and not known what the facts are is foolish. When we see 2 tweet from Martin or info a credible source then we will know. Not “well I heard” like we see from some posters here.
March 2nd, 2016 at 12:43 pm
^a tweet
March 2nd, 2016 at 1:14 pm
It’s funny to read these comments on Doug Martin. He was the best player on the field period in a lot of games last year. You are giving way to much credit to the run blocking offensive line. The way I remember last year was Doug Martin running like his hair was on fire. He was the only offense against a good Rams defense. Get a clue people. Hey. I know there are injury concerns but look at it as his legs weren’t taking hits while he was out. I would lose a little confidence in licht if he does not make every effort to sign Martin. I honestly believe bucs are playing hard ball like poker but are very nervous right now and in the end would match any deal unless it’s north of 8 mil which is not realistic number. All you hating on Doug Martin go jump off the st Pete bridge you morons. Martin knows too that he has Jameis and young talent and knows system so he would have best chance to be successful here in Tampa
March 2nd, 2016 at 3:11 pm
@ bee
Name another runner who had more long runs than martin. Thats right there are none. Name a runner who had more yards after contact. Thats right, maybe one. You think the bucs would have been top 5 in offense without martin? You want to get rid of martin for a player that cant even break off long runs because he gets two or three more tds because his team gives him the ball at the one yard line? That constitute more production to you? You are slow beyond comprehension. Go play fantacy with your sister.
March 2nd, 2016 at 3:43 pm
What Biff Barker said, and his name is Daniel Lasco.. And the boy is bad, more versatile a natural pass catcher with more physicality than Sims. Which in my mind Koetter ideally wants for this vertical based offense.
March 2nd, 2016 at 4:36 pm
Nole..I am actually sold on Daniel after seeing you and someone else posting his name…saw a lot I liked…a freak on the field…and I really think he would fit right in!!!
March 2nd, 2016 at 5:10 pm
@tiny Tim
You’re typing a lot, but not typing anything of substance. No, the Bucs would not have been a top 5 offense without Martin. But that top 5 offense only got us 6 wins and no playoffs. Pay attention and work on your reading comprehension. I don’t want to get rid of Martin but he isn’t irreplaceable. As many times as the Patriots have been to the playoffs and Superbowl, how many times did they have a top 5 rusher? None I’m guessing. Get it thru your skull, breaking long runs is nice but it doesn’t mean much if you can’t put points on the board. And it really doesn’t mean much if you lose and don’t make the playoffs. Rushing titles don’t equal championships. I don’t care what running back we have a long as we have Winston. He’s the main piece, not Martin. It sounds like you’d rather have a RB break off long runs only to not score and lose the game. The team that scores the most points wins, understand? Not the team with the most rushing yards. And again, I don’t play fantasy football and I’m an only child. So take your Valium and breathe easy.
It’s about wins. Simple as that.
March 2nd, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Im gettin tired of the 30 yr wall for RBs. I have seen tons of rbs go past 30. And in todays medical advancements, most injuries are no longer career ending.
Just stop trying to predict the future. Martin is not built the same way as most backs and every person is different. You can’t just assume martin will break down after another 2 seasons. Look up the stats on rbs over 30. I believe it was john riggins, who rushed for over 1000 yards at the age of 35. And that was a brutal era he played in.
It is fine that you think all running backs (except AP) only last to 29. But the reality is there are plenty of running backs past 30 that keep on trucking. Sure they start to slow down a bit. But all players over 30 slow down a bit.
If martin is determined and wants to do it, he can play as long as he wants. Stop trying to assume he will just suck after he hits 30. It’s not the case. And it isnt the reality for most rbs.
March 2nd, 2016 at 6:32 pm
@ bee
The issue isnt that martin doesnt win games. No single plauer wins games. The fact is that when you gather up talented players, your chances of winning increase. Sure we could pick up some hobos off the street because the patriots did it. But we are not the patriots, we will never win the way the patriots win. We are the Buccaneers, we have to forge our own way. And retaining talent is a key part to forging our own way. No matter what position it is.
Besides, by your logic. We should also not pay winston if he doesnt win us a superbowl in the next 4 years.
It takes an entire team and organization to win football games. Don’t try to down play what Martin does on the field like it is worthless.
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:30 pm
@trubucfan22
I am not saying we are trying to be like the Patriots. I don’t want us to be and we never will be. I’m just saying that having an elite RB doesn’t guarantee success, playoffs or championships. Yes we need as much talent as we can get, I agree. But paying Martin doesn’t get us any closer to the playoffs or a championship imo. If he was that much of a game changer we would’ve won more, he would’ve scored more. I understand that it’s a team game, but there are single players in the league that can take over and win games. Martin isn’t that. Plus the Patriots didn’t pick up hobos off the street, they got Blount, a former starting RB who had great seasons for us.
By my logic I’m not saying don’t keep Winston if he doesn’t win a superbowl in 4 years. But if he only has 2 good years out of 4 I don’t think it makes sense to pay him like a top 3 QB! Lol…
Martin is far from worthless but he’s not worth top money imo. All those yards he racked up didn’t lead to lots of scoring (TDs) and wins. My question is, which Martin will you be signing? 2015 or 2014? No one knows.
I wish him the best and I hope he stays but he’s not the most important part of the offense. You could argue Vincent Jackson is since when he got injured the offense slowed down.
March 2nd, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Well y’all might not wanna be like the Pats,I d@$! sure wouldn’t mind. I think my GM would second that sentiment. Another thing this Koetter’s offense now,a back pounding the rock 300 times in a season won’t be necessary in his scheme. This man is hell bent on driving the football down field thru the air. I’m tellin you that want a Marshal Faulk,Leveon Bell type for this offense again his name is Daniel Lasco. Get use to it start doing homework, he is your DM replacement folks.
March 3rd, 2016 at 12:05 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C88r97G-GSM
Denver was very impressed with him too..
March 3rd, 2016 at 12:07 am
The way he runs..it looks like he runs through the bodies!! Freaking beast!!
March 3rd, 2016 at 7:48 am
People can forget about signing Miller because he’s demanding more Han Martin!
March 3rd, 2016 at 8:16 am
Great eyes Nole. I was hoping we wouldnt have to worry about the run game. But if we do, I really like Lasco…..love Elliot and Henry too. If we lose Martin, then one of those three should be in play.
March 3rd, 2016 at 8:24 am
Tiny Tim
I’m with you man, Doug is an assett – pay the man and lets go get a SB
March 3rd, 2016 at 10:28 am
We’ll now be known as the Team that got rid of Revis, and Doug Martin!