Doug Martin Goes National, Talks Koetter, Lovie, “Sponge” Jameis & More
February 4th, 2016
So what’s a good way to pressure your team to give you a fat new contract?
Embrace the media and try to look like a very attractive guy on the national stage.
Doug Martin did that through most of last season, but he kicked it up a notch this week. Joe finds it very interesting that Doug Martin is rubbing elbows around the Super Bowl action in San Francisco. Hmmm, Joe doesn’t recall Martin doing that in previous years.
Perhaps it’s a coincidence, as he is from California, but perhaps not.
Martin hopped on NFL Network (video here) wearing a shirt and tie and talked about the shocking change from Lovie Smith to Dirk Koetter, how his two rough years were because of injuries, and about how he cared for his body and admired all things Jameis Winston in 2015.
This is also intriguing since Martin wanted little to do with media at the Pro Bowl last week, unless it was questions about the Pro Bowl and happy talk, versus contract questions and hardcore Bucs chatter. (Watch Joe’s Hawaii interview with Martin here.)
Joe expects Martin to stay visible as he and the Bucs try to figure out a way to keep him in Tampa.
And yes, in that NFL Network video, Martin says he can’t wait to get after it with Jameis next season.
Joe wonders what Martin would say about former Bucs rockstar general manager Mark Dominik claiming yesterday that Martin likely is worth around $5 million per season.
February 4th, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Pay the man
February 4th, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Doug needs to hurry up and sign. He won’t find a better place to play then with Dirk and Jameis.
February 4th, 2016 at 12:32 pm
A rather interesting choice of colors?
No big deal to schmooze a bit. Hometown guy,(almost), and he’s earned the right to do so. Nice to see him, and the Bucs, get some positive national attention.
“Can’t wait to play for him”, translates to show me some money!
February 4th, 2016 at 1:26 pm
The value of a player can change depending on the team’s needs and situation.
And so Doug Martin would have more value to the Bucs than he would any other team. He knows the offense…the OLineman…the team knows him…Koetter will be able to build his offensive plans predictably.
If Doug goes to another team that familiarity “value” disappears. I concede that running backs can pick up offenses faster than other players but still it’s nice to have that familiarization.
Martin and Sims made excellent complimentary backs…one’s strength was the other’s weakness and vice versa. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it! I feel sure the Bucs will make every effort to keep Doug.
February 4th, 2016 at 1:53 pm
Can’t blame the guy.
RB’s are a dime a dozen.
I would like Martin back but don’t want to put the team in cap jeopardy to do so.
February 4th, 2016 at 2:20 pm
C’mon back Dougie! That rushing title would look real good in Tampa Bay!
February 4th, 2016 at 2:21 pm
If some other team does over pay, The Bucs will get a very high compensatory pick!!
February 4th, 2016 at 3:18 pm
The team won’t be in any cap jeopardy by resigning Martin, even if they gave him 7-8mil a year (which is higher than I expect).
February 4th, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
Just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed
Nothing seems to fit
Oh, raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
Keep a-fallin’
February 4th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Good teams reward players who perform…period. Doug has more than earned a multi year deal.
February 4th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
and to those who say “Good RB’s are a dime a dozen”…since when is that true? If that is the case, there should be at least 32 bad ass backs in the league with great backups behind them.
February 4th, 2016 at 5:52 pm
Charles simms lead the league in yards per touch this season, at least thats what I remember hearing. If thats true Im not to worried. Every year new running backs step up. Ita all about the ol, oc, and qb. Then recievers tight ends and unfortunately rbs are more easily found laying around . Dont get me wrong he had a great year and Id love to keep him but if its more than he is worth id rather throw that money at mario williams
February 4th, 2016 at 5:57 pm
its not beyond our Bucs to lose in a bidding war for Martin. We have let other good players go..you know. Think we’d better..PAY THE MAN!
February 4th, 2016 at 6:05 pm
just sign the man! please.
February 4th, 2016 at 7:18 pm
Please don’t let this be another Michael Bennett/Aqib Talib!! *CRIES*
February 4th, 2016 at 7:44 pm
Lol doubt he’s rubbing elbows with the media. It wouldn’t make a difference in the contract negotiations. He’s from the the SF bay area and I’m sure he’s heading to the NFL honors ceremony this week.
Anyways, the Bucs would be wise to agree to up to 8 million a year. It sends a message to Martin & all of the other players that they reward excellent performance and high character. For those who say that they should franchise Martin, not only does it not make sense mathematically, it also damages the relationship with the player in the long run.
February 4th, 2016 at 8:24 pm
On compensatory picks. It now has to do with the net sum of losses to free agency vs gain. There is no way we will be on the negative side of free agency this year. Due to our salary cap position we are nearly forced to add salary. Its not a one player deal
February 4th, 2016 at 10:04 pm
Our cap situation should be okay even if we overpay Martin a little bit. There are no outstanding free agents that would be worth chasing – and overpaying. The really good ones will more than likely resign with their current teams anyway. With Lovie gone, Licht will be more sensible with money, I’m sure. Thus resigning Martin shouldn’t be much of a problem. If we have to overpay, then let’s shell out the cash for somebody who has already proven himself an asset in Tampa.
February 5th, 2016 at 1:07 am
Elle wins.
Again.
February 5th, 2016 at 1:41 am
We will not lose a bidding war for martin. We can franchise tag him. Which isn’t that bad of a situation. He plays best in contract years. Franchise him the next two years while he is still young than look at his age and give him a modest contract. I’m sure he’ll be happy with the franchise tag money.
February 5th, 2016 at 6:14 am
Well if they don’t resign him it is safe to say that the game plan is to give the new coaching staff a rebuilding year or two…. Let’s just hope that does not also mean a new coaching staff in three years as is the MO of our team….