Bucs Pass On Franchise Tag For Doug Martin
March 1st, 2016
Buccaneers overlord of football operations Jason Licht has rolled a big pair of dice.
An NFL Network report and a claim via the Around The NFL Twitter feed say the franchise tag period is over for 2016. No more activity, which means Tampa Bay did not/will not slap the franchise tag on Doug Martin by today’s 4 p.m. deadline.
Martin could become a free agent in eight short days. Other NFL teams can start pre-negotiations with him in six short days. However, the Bucs still could re-sign Martin at any time.
Joe doesn’t want to hear anyone cheering this decision by the Bucs.
Joe wants Martin to return, and the franchise tag was a solid move from Day 1 for a Bucs team projected to have more than $50 million in salary cap room for 2016. The franchise tag was tailor-made for a guy like Martin, who has been inconsistent in his career but is coming off an outstanding season. And the Bucs are in no position to let talented players walk out the door for no good reason.
On Twitter, Joe noted the Bucs could have tagged Martin at the $11.8 million mark for running backs and still had more cap room than 22 other NFL teams entering the start of the 2016 season.
Get a deal done, Licht!
Your head coach, quarterback and most fans all want Martin back.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Please get this deal done. I really don’t want to believe we are going to be the same old cheap Bucs.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Looks like we are again the tight wad Bucs..Pathetic we are the laughing stock team again…
March 1st, 2016 at 4:21 pm
I got early and just team after team tagging and bagging their top players…Of course, no mention on the Bucs…
What else is new, right!!???
March 1st, 2016 at 4:23 pm
As they should. If the market is $4M for him (as reported by Florio), why pay him $11M?
This strikes me as the Ronde free agency deal years ago. He’ll go out, see if there’s any offers out there better than the Bucs….and then up signing here
March 1st, 2016 at 4:24 pm
DUMBASS!
March 1st, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Oliver Vernon has been tagged by the Dolphins so we can stop pining over him now.
The Rams tagged Johnson instead of Janoris Jenkins. I would love that but rumors have it that he wants 10 to 12 million. It would be nice though so we could be assured going after a pass rusher with our first pick.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:26 pm
My bad. The Dolphins used the “transition” tag, so he is still in Play
March 1st, 2016 at 4:27 pm
I’d love Janoris Jenkins but he will definitely be asking for too much money to support all 12 of his kids.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:27 pm
Good luck Doug. You will find the team who will pay you what your agent is asking. And I don’t blame you..one bit. I know there is a team out there..chompin at the bit. Hey..its just business.
I know your agent has discussed our Cheapo Buc history and the countless numbers of players we let go who have come back to haunt us. Why the Bucs would upset the offensive chemistry they got going is beyond me. But after all Buc fans, Its is the…Buccaneer way. So much for our New fresh Hyped up Bucs. And you Buc fans thought it was the dawning of a new age aye? We oldtimers know..the real deal.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Hey, if the kid wants to be here – he will be. So far Licht has been fair will his dealings – concering compensation. So let’s see how it all plays out.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:30 pm
People relax and let this play out. I believe Licht knows what he’s doing.
#inlichtwetrust
March 1st, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Just because every one “likes you” doesn’t mean you’re worth 12 million dollars. I believe those 2 down years are killing Martin’s case for a hugh deal and the Bucs aren’t budging. I also believe that the revamped O line made Martin look alot better than what he is. I can play running back for the Bucs with some of the hugh holes he had to run through and my 40 time sucks. I’m all for resigning Doug but I hope it’s not an insane amount of money. We have alot of holes to fill.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:31 pm
*So far Licht has been fair with his dealings – concering compensation
March 1st, 2016 at 4:33 pm
He lacks speed left a lot of tds on the field
March 1st, 2016 at 4:33 pm
maybe they are getting close to a deal?
March 1st, 2016 at 4:37 pm
The deal is on the table, In my book its only DM22 that is stopping the signing at this point!!! He will try to get another team to leverage the current offer! Good luck with that!!!
Glazer walks into Licht’s office : says: Hey Jason, what is going with this free agency thingy???
Licht says: here is the P&L sheet, Now get out of my office while I build a winner!!!!
March 1st, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Licht is a fool.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:39 pm
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000640089/article/franchise-tag-tracker-which-players-will-get-tagged?campaign=tw-nf-sf21802413-sf21802413
Hope Joe keeps that link..waaay at the bottom of the page ..The Bucs..
March 1st, 2016 at 4:40 pm
If the Bucs don’t get this done it better had be because they have huge plans in free agency and they need every dollar.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:41 pm
I will continue to remain as optimistic as possible but this situation grows more and more disappointing each day. For a player who the organization drafted, has done everything asked of him, battled through injuries, been a positive in the locker room, and has consistently shown up on the field when healthy, Doug deserves to be compensated! He was a mystery coming into the season and nearly ended up as the league’s leading rusher! What more can he do to prove he is worthy of being paid? Not to mention being voted to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team?
Injuries are a part of the game and that’s understandable to be cautious but if the organization is committed to rewarding its own (LVD & GMC {well documented injury history; considered by many at one point to be a “bust}), it sends an inconsistent message. Licht get it done!
March 1st, 2016 at 4:42 pm
The Buc Realist Says:
March 1st, 2016 at 4:37 pm
The deal is on the table, In my book its only DM22 that is stopping the signing at this point!!! He will try to get another team to leverage the current offer! Good luck with that!!!
—–
I think this is absolutely true. This is going to go into the FA period, folks. He may end up signing with us, but if he does, he won’t be signing for at least a couple weeks, imo.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Actually LUV I think Licht is being smart. I doubt any team will offer him more than 6 mil and we will definitely match that. With Florio putting DM’s value at 4 mil we have no way to find out his real value without him testing the market. I think he will still be in a Bucs uni next yr
March 1st, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Same old Bucs. Painting themselves into a corner whenever possible. Letting Doug walk will be a huge mistake, and very likely to happen. I’ll miss ya Dougie. Maybe the next team you play for will have a chance at a winning record.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:43 pm
NO RUNNING BACK that is not named Adrian Peterson is worth a penny more than $8M, especially a 27 year old who missed 16 games between 2013 and 2014.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:43 pm
How do you justify overpaying for a slew of bums in the first 2 years and you can’t cobble the coin together to pay for an all pro, pro bowl, drafted running back that can effectively be a backfield threat that provides the ability for our young QB to improve and excel?
Licht is a fool unless and until he somehow finds a way to get Martin back on this roster.
Incompetence has a new name.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Joe doesn’t want to hear it? We are tired of the Americas Quarterback reference but here we are. Martin is not a 11 million dollar back period. Shocking! He had his best year during a contract year! I like him but not enough to over pay just cause we can.. There are plenty of other backs. Koetter will throw more this year, and we have too many other needs such as Mario Williams.
I never seen a running back get caught from behind more than martin. Koetter should tell Martin”We love you but were not IN love with you”
March 1st, 2016 at 4:44 pm
This GM do not have Coach Smith to blame for the stupid moves. No free agents will come because of this GM, hell he can not even sign his own free agents. He better win.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:45 pm
Where could he go that he could get broke off AND have a realistic shot at a SB title?
March 1st, 2016 at 4:45 pm
All us “Old Timers” knew Licht would not be dumb enough to pay a RB 11 Million. And who said Martin is not the one holding this up? Just maybe they want production tied in the contract with money and he is holding it up. The contract is more than just money.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Bucs SB with Jameis Says
Good Points, and I agree
March 1st, 2016 at 4:46 pm
Martin’s going to have his toes in the water in a few short days. I can’t blame him.
Regardless, him and his agent have a number from the Bucs. We sit. We wait.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:48 pm
You don’t franchise a running back who had close to or over 300 carries last year, you Joes are nuts. He wants to much money, let him walk.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:49 pm
Greg Says:
I never seen a running back get caught from behind more than martin. Koetter should tell Martin”We love you but were not IN love with you”
——
You do realize there are corners running 4.3 speed in the NFL, right? And you do understand that today’s RBs are asked to hit a very small hole and be powerful enough able to break tackles, right?
Give the guy a break. I sure hope he re-signs with us.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:52 pm
Nothing about this situation is as slam dunk as it seems. Fair market value is only what 1 team is willing to pay you. I have almost talked myself into the model that says that RB’s are fairly interchangeable. I like Martin. I like him a lot as a matter of fact. In fact the only real complaint regarding him is that he doesn’t have a nose for the end zone inside the 10 like some other backs and he put the ball on the ground last year too much. Given all of that, I would rather see the Bucs put their money toward other places like the two lines. If we can have him on our terms, maybe this is a good move. This is one of those moves like moving up in a draft to select a division 3 kid in the second. Either its going to be great or its going to blow up.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:53 pm
I agree, I wouldn’t pay Martin more than 8 mil a year. I’d like to see him back in Tampa but if another team is willing to make a larger financial commitment I can’t blame him for taking it and I don’t blame the Bucs for not matching the offer. It’s no knock in Doug but I just don’t think the position is worth what it once was.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:55 pm
11 Million? Nope
March 1st, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Franchise tag is almost 12 mil, no way would any team in there right mind pay a running back 12 mil for 1 year of service.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:57 pm
I’d much much much rather spend that money on Mario. Like…by a lot.
March 1st, 2016 at 4:57 pm
Doug Martin was second in rushing Last year and we won 6 games…6!! Running backs don’t win championships just ask Denver.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:01 pm
“the franchise tag was a solid move from Day 1”
Thank God Joe is not the Bucs GM. Still culling from the “What Would Dom Do?” reservoir I see. LOL
March 1st, 2016 at 5:05 pm
I love some of the comments…..we have no earthly idea what Martin has been offered by Licht…..all we know is that Martin won’t be franchised….(a ridiculous amount IMO)….and that he hasn’t accepted the Bucs offer yet.
Why wouldn’t Martin wait to see if he is franchised….then continue negotiations…..then, if necessary test the FA market. The same goes for Licht….why not negotiate until the last minute…..even let Martin test the market then sign him later.
The only thing that would mess up a deal is if Martin wanted to leave Tampa & I don’t think that’s the case.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:06 pm
I wonder what Pablo makes of this whole situation.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:06 pm
I’ll reserve the name Muscle Dumpster if he leaves.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Well, I agree this is a big roll of the dice.
I bet a few more people than me have low opinions of Jason Licht right about now, huh?
Still time to get a deal done. Jason Licht is not just gambling with Martin…he is gambling with the fans. If he loses Martin, who is popular in Tampa, he will have his version of Bennett.
I understand not wanting to pay the franchise amount. If he were to be signed for $4m per year (as Florio says), then this years franchise tag would equal 3 years salary.
But here is the thing…
…Martin is going to want at least…AT LEAST…$5.5m per year plus a signing bonus and guarantees. So he may well get $8m this year.
On the other hand…if the right CONTENDING team makes him an offer for less than the Bucs, he still might leave.
This is Warrick Dunn all over again.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:11 pm
@Buccfan37
lol
March 1st, 2016 at 5:12 pm
We’re idiots for not being able to retain Warrick Dunn. What were they thinking? We’ll never find a replacement. This team is going downhill. The world is ending.
Calm down! He’s a friggin running back. I think we should’ve franchised him as well, but we didn’t. I’m already over it. Resign him long term at a fair price or find someone else.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:12 pm
To me, this offseason could not be going any better!!! I am in FULL support of NFL GM Licht!!!! In Licht we Trust!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!
March 1st, 2016 at 5:12 pm
I just love how everyone THINKS Martin will come running back when he tests the market. Like he’d want to keep playing here.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:14 pm
Then if that is what he wants now is a CONTENDING team? Good bye!
March 1st, 2016 at 5:14 pm
Bennett is the anchor of a super bowl defensive line. This is not remotely the same.
In Licht I trust!
March 1st, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Who the heck would put the franchise tag on a running back?
No one.
Easy answer.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:32 pm
@Tom
GM Joe
March 1st, 2016 at 5:33 pm
We could have offered him 12 million, and he would still test the waters.
This is a business, and he is a hired gun.
I think some team will offer him crazy money, and we will not match it.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:33 pm
I trust Licht knows what he’s doing. A RB just doesn’t have much value in today’s NFL. Too easily replaced. Doug should learn a lesson from Demarco Murray. Going somewhere new can be difficult.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Doug Martin is worth at least $ 6 to $7 mill per (3 year deal)
March 1st, 2016 at 5:37 pm
I thank God every day that GM Joe does not run the Bucs while he tries to patch up the gaping hole of strongside linebacker, franchise running backs at 11 million a year and draft QB’s with multiple rehab stints by their second year.
I fear we would be looking back to the “golden era” of Mark Dominik if that happened.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Agreed with most of you…
Look, Licht has done nothing but an A+ job thus far, so get off the mans back. If Doug does leave, and say…..we sneak back into the 2nd and snag say Derrick Henry to put next to Sims in the backfield….Licht will be a genius.
This guy deserves our support….he got the right coach in here and has drafted very well.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:38 pm
On the brighter side, we interviewed Daniel Lasco several times and his Combine scores were off the chart.
40 time 4.46 4th among RBs
Vertical Jump: 41.5 inches, 1st among RBs
Broad Jump: 11’3″, 1st among RBs and the longest Broad Jump Ever for a RB.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:39 pm
wow martin is gone
March 1st, 2016 at 5:39 pm
Here’s my updated
FREE AGENCY WISHLIST:
Sign WR Jermaine Kearse $4-5m/Yr
Sign WR Marvin Jones $6-7m/yr
Sign DE Jason Pierre-Paul $9-10m/Yr
Sign RT Mitchell Schwartz $7-8m/Yr
Sign LG Richie Incognito $6-8m/Yr
Sign RB Doug Martin to for $5-7m/Yr (or don’t), OR
Sign RB Matt Forte for $6m/1 Yr (then draft RB next year)
Cut Mankins, Save $7.5m, putting us at roughly $66m cap space
Brings us to down to $20m+ cap space left.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:39 pm
Not to mention the cap money freed up by other cuts.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:40 pm
The sky is falling.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:44 pm
Franchise tag almost always seems to amount to overpaying for a player, in any position. Heck, Kirk Cousins just got $19 mil for 2016 thanks to being franchised. I like Doug Martin, a bunch, but no RB not named Peterson is worth $11 mil.
Can’t blame Licht for not putting the franchise tag on him, nor can I blame Martin and his agent for testing the waters. Unless someone really, really wants him and is willing to overpay, Martin will end up on the Bucs.
If not, please draft Derrick Henry. I miss having a monster back like good old #40.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:44 pm
One thing…we DO still have a few RBs that showed promise. If Martin walks…we may have a suitable replacement already, who just needs the right opportunity.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:45 pm
DO. NOT. DRAFT. A. RUNNINGBACK. THIS. YEAR.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo likes Martin because Doug is shorter than Pablo & that makes Pablo feel superior. Pablo doesn’t care how the Bucs spend their money….If there was a FA RB or draft pick who’s name ends in a Z, Pablo would be all for that. Pablo wouldn’t miss Martin because he doesn’t come to watch Pablo table dance like many other Bucs and JBF posters like 87 & the Realist…..87 tips really big and the Realist is stingy”
March 1st, 2016 at 5:51 pm
You know…the noobs here probably don’t even know the origin of Pablo, lol.
March 1st, 2016 at 5:52 pm
LOL @ Pablo…
I’m moving on from this ulcer inducing day…I am going to pull out my Strat and play me some Led Zeppelin…
March 1st, 2016 at 5:57 pm
Bonzai, Derrick Henry in the 3rd round would be a steal (and he just might last that long).
March 1st, 2016 at 6:00 pm
87- the sky is not falling but our offense is now significantly worse. One step forwards two steps back. That’s a Bucs life.
Maybe the Glazers should hire a free agency only GM because Licht’s record is that of abject failure and incompetence. Or better yet just hire a GM that can competently handle both free agency and the draft, ya know, like every other worthwhile GM?
March 1st, 2016 at 6:02 pm
Lol……..Thanks Pablo for answering my question.
March 1st, 2016 at 6:20 pm
A priest and a rabbi walk into a bar …… Blah blah blah ….. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Rim shot)
I’m here all week folks.
March 1st, 2016 at 6:22 pm
LifeOfaBucFan,
I hear ya, I just changed my strings on my mandolin, I am trying to learn to play some Led Zeppelin on it. I am having issues getting it back in tune, Not sure about the Cherub WST-550c tuner I am using. Talk about ulcer inducing. UGGGH! I just want to play!
I hope we bring Mr. Martin back, just not at a price that is unsustainable long term for our team. The grass always looks greener across the fence, he might go to another team and not play as well as he has here, he may play better. For me it is a crap shoot. I have read Mr. Martin wants to stay in Tampa, I guess the truth to that will come out when Mr. Martin signs his new contract.
March 1st, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Get it done! Or he’ll end up in Carolina for less money. Or Atlanta!
March 1st, 2016 at 6:34 pm
I don’t know what the run is on free agency runningbacks. But I’d pay martin 7 mil a yr to keep our offensive chemistry on the right track. If not, I don’t know what Forte has left in his tank. we could pay him 6 mil a yr for a yr and wait until the next draft. I say pay Dougie. If we don’t? Guaranteed somebody else will. A lot of Buc fans never saw this one coming. They figured little Doufie was going to play nice and just sign. Don’t blame him folks. A runningbacks shelf life is short. He wants to see what he can get. And I don’t blame him.
March 1st, 2016 at 6:42 pm
There is no RB in the league worth 11.8 million. People on here act like the game is over. They’re still negotiating. I still think they get it done. If Martin gets 8 million a year elsewhere, I’d be surprised.
March 1st, 2016 at 7:19 pm
Calm down peeps! You don’t want to overpay for a running back in todays NFL. He has had 2 good seasons out of the 5 he has been with the Bucs. Other seasons riddled with injuries or lack of effort on his part. I would love to have Dougie back with the Bucs but only for the right price.
March 1st, 2016 at 7:29 pm
Stop acting like we are the Patriots, Packers or Steelers who can afford to let good football players walk.
Unbelievable BS.
This is yet another example of why your TB Buccaneers are endlessly miserable.
March 1st, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Careful DallasBuc…people around here prefer to blame the free agency mishaps on Lovie Smith…because…you know…Lovie negotiated all the contracts, made all the calls, made all the cap room, and all the scouts skipped right over Licht to advise Lovie.
March 1st, 2016 at 7:57 pm
The franchise tag made emotional, not business sense. But the Bucs should not be afraid to pay Doug over the market because at this stage of the team’s development it is important to keep the momentum going by keeping young stars together.
March 1st, 2016 at 7:57 pm
The only thing Jason Licht has PROVEN he is good at is cap management.
No one can prove he didn’t choose the free agents.
No one can prove he made the draft picks.
No one can prove he didn’t cut the oline or any other player to make cap room.
But we HAVE seen his trade deals. You know, the ones that netted him 6th and 7th rounders? Except once during a draft?
And yet…Lovie got ALL of the blame. Licht got ALL of the credit.
It boggles the mind.
March 1st, 2016 at 7:58 pm
@Bucs Fan Since ’76
Even if the young stars ONLY played hard in their contract year to get paid?
March 1st, 2016 at 8:01 pm
BDog was hinting that he knew why the Bucs did not take the extra year or franchise Martin. He claimed there was good reason, but that he could not reveal it.
Whether that was bull or not remains to be seen…but in all the years he’s made such claims, even though people rag on him, he has never been proven wrong…unlike Cummings, Stroud and several other media heads.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Alot of people are slobbering on Licht’s knob for the job he’s done the past 2 years. Um… did you guys not notice the free agents we signed and how well they worked out? It was pretty disgusting. I love his draft picks, but damn, he’s blown it 2 years straight in FA.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:01 pm
@Bonzai
And it did not boggle your mind when Coach Schaino got all the blame for everything that went wrong and Dominick was praised for anything went right???
March 1st, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Sure did, Realist. I liked Schiano…kind of. Or maybe I pitted him.
Off topic…I cannot believe the Eagles are paying Sam Bradford $36 million for 2 years. Dude hasn’t come close to earning anything.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Thanks for those numbers on Lasco SB. Quite interesting indeed.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:08 pm
@Bonzai
“He claimed there was good reason, but that he could not reveal it.”
After his rookie year, DM22 was out of shape!!! Its no secret!! That why eveyone was commenting on how in shape he looked this past off-season!!! Its no secret insider information, we all can read the 5 websites that a radio host can read from!!!!
March 1st, 2016 at 8:09 pm
@Dallas
Patriots, Packers and Steelers are all teams with a franchise QB. News flash – we now have one. In the past we could not let good players walk and needed to overpay them. ie.. GMC HAHA.
Sir Jameis changes that dynamic.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:10 pm
Ive been saying it all along….if he hadnt had two bad seasons before this past one thefe would not have been any hesitaion. I just dont understand why they never picked up the fifth year option….wouldnt that have been cheaper than the tag anyway? Must be a telling sign they dont think that highly of him. Something tells me matt forte may be on the way with a pass rusher .
March 1st, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Gotta trust jason licht….so far his rolls of the dice have llayed well….cant say the same for lovie
March 1st, 2016 at 8:12 pm
Dolphins may have to release Cameron Wake because they tagged Vernon.
I wouldn’t mind that guy. He has consistently gotten good sacks.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:15 pm
@Kevin
Lovie was going to cut/trade DM22 this time last year, It was Coach Koetter who said let me try him for a year!!! DM22 came to camp in shape!!! the option was decided over a year ago and was a no brainer at the time!!!
DM22 at camp
http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Leaner-Doug-Martin-Thriving-in-Competition/75e44f12-2ab7-4726-b787-57078d0aae87
March 1st, 2016 at 8:20 pm
Be wary when handing out big money to running backs, especially ones with an injury history. See: Murray, DeMarco
I’d love to see the man stay, but running backs are a dime a dozen. He’s gotta come at the right price. Sign or draft someone to complement and/or compete with Sims and spend the money elsewhere.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:22 pm
LETS GET A DEAL DONE!!!!
rbs are devalued but when you have one of the best in the league, who you drafted, sitting on a pile of cash, you pay the man what he deserves and so other young players if you succeed and work hard as doug, we will pay you and keep you. the man just bought a house here for christs’ sake
March 1st, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Oh know, they didn’t do what I, a guy who has never been paid (even in pizza) for his football opinion in his ENTIRE life, wanted them to do.
Ergo, the GM must be wrong.
Some of you love you some you. Thanks for the chuckle.
I like Doug, but, not enough to delude myself into thinking I know more than the front office.
Let me know which teams have asked for your resume, JBF commentator braintrust.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:39 pm
bryan- careful putting young Winston in the category of 3 future first ballot HOFers. Premature…a word I’m sure you are familiar with.
We are not a good football team with a proven track record of talent evaluation, decision making or winning so watching good football players walk and be replaced by subpar talent is manifestly foolish.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:42 pm
Martin’s not a dime a dozen back. That’s simply foolish. But he’s not an $8M back either.
Licht isn’t being cheap either. You don’t throw huge money because he shows up in shape for a contract year. Who’s to say he wont be slacking again after getting a fat contract.
Which Martin shows up next year? Trust is the proverbial elephant in the room.
No surprise the Bucs are sniffing Lasco. I’d look at CJ Proisee too.
March 1st, 2016 at 8:42 pm
Meh, I couldn’t really care less if he returns. Too inconsistent. Looks like Stroud had this story sniffed out pretty early on…
March 1st, 2016 at 8:48 pm
@Dallas
Good point about the future HOFer’s. The premature comment made me laugh. Nice
March 1st, 2016 at 9:05 pm
I agree with Bucs SB w Jameis and Luv. I love Dougie but apparently not as much as some of you. He’s simply not worth anywhere near the 8-10 mill per year that was reported as recently as last week. Now, we hear maybe only 4 mill. The Bucs would likey match anything up to 6mill a year but anything beyond that is bordering on wreckless. My focus is more on Mario Williams than Dougie eve though I feel ashamed typing that. This is a business though and we have sucked in the business for far too long. I see success with essentially whoever is running behind our studly, young O-Line. On the flip side, I have seen us be as sickeningly inefficient as ever rushing the passer. Mario instantly changes our dynamic and is easily worth every bit of 10-12 mill per year.
March 1st, 2016 at 9:07 pm
Thank You Nole……………..and you will Always be one of my fav posters here. Keep up the good work
March 1st, 2016 at 9:07 pm
Martin simply is a 50 50 shot just like his career has been. Good move licht. Remember doug doesn’t make us any better
March 1st, 2016 at 9:12 pm
Totes McGotes agree with Cmurda too this time. Doug is only worth 6 mil a yr and we need to move on to more ‘Pressing Needs”
March 1st, 2016 at 9:15 pm
You guys are all acting like sky is falling. Doug Martin has not walked just b/c he was not resigned yet.
He is a RB, their shelf-life is short. They get once chance at a pay day, and his agent’s job is to get the highest possible. I’m sure they want to see what other teams will offer, and Licht / Bucs will have every opportunity to match.
I believe he will be here unless some team is willing to pay him 9+ million / year over multiple years, which would be crazy. But then again, this is the NFL…
March 1st, 2016 at 9:20 pm
The level of negativity from some people this time of year still boggles my mind. The level of contempt for Jason Licht is totally unwarranted. From what I’m seeing, and based on impressions from other things I read and hear, Licht is well respected around the league for his acumen. He has built a solid front office. Good drafts. The future looks good from what I can see. I still think Licht turns out to be the best GM the franchise has seen. He was never Lovie’s lapdog.
March 1st, 2016 at 9:25 pm
It is not ‘unbelievable’ to listen to what “unbelievable” says.
March 1st, 2016 at 9:30 pm
?
March 1st, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Wow! I’d like to play poker with some of you dopes. DallasBuc, you do realize he’s not gone yet right?
March 1st, 2016 at 9:36 pm
can anyone tell us something we don’t know? or hear on espn or nfl.com?
March 1st, 2016 at 9:45 pm
@Bucs SB, I see what ya did there.
March 1st, 2016 at 9:45 pm
finishers…………are you a finish craftsman or finish salesman? I am a finish carpenter
March 1st, 2016 at 9:48 pm
Credit where it is due unbelievable.
March 1st, 2016 at 10:17 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:
March 1st, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Yea man SB what’s good big homie..
…………..
You man, you. You have always been what is good even though you follow Seminoles.
March 1st, 2016 at 10:20 pm
A man many of you are living in the past,I suggest you look at the break down of the kid from Cal SB gave y’all of his combine numbers. The kid has star written all over him. This offense will require a dual threat RB much like the Steelers Bell, the Cards rookie David Johnson. Someone with a little physicality between the tackles than Sims. I know Koetter said he wants DM back but else is he suppose to say. Lasco imo should be given a deeper look see by many of you. I’m just saying. We did talk to the kid on more than one occasion. My only worry is with numbers he put up we can’t wait to deep in the draft to snag him. I’m sure other out fits noticed him as well yo.
March 1st, 2016 at 10:22 pm
SB they not paying enough attention to Lasco.
March 1st, 2016 at 10:51 pm
Buc Fans…
Get ready to be Glazered on this one. Same old cheap bucs.
Worst owners in the NFL…with Jones and Snyder a close second.
March 1st, 2016 at 10:54 pm
With respect, Joe, you’re wrong on this one. I liked Martin last year, and hated him the prior three. He will not maintain what he did last year, NFL history is not kind to running backs that toted the rock as much as Martin did last year and the type of hits he takes on every run are taking their toll, and Martin knows that too.
This one needs to play out all the way. The more I thought about this, I would have really questioned Licht had he given Martin the $12 million dollar tag.
March 1st, 2016 at 11:07 pm
Did Martin take out his “Tampa Bay Buc RB” off his twitter account?? I don’t see it anymore…or am I seeing things!!???
March 1st, 2016 at 11:54 pm
Glad to see we are still on the same page Nole.
March 2nd, 2016 at 12:23 am
Alright, so lets play hypotheticals….Martin isnt coming back. What do we do? You know we wont be picking high enough for Christian McCaffrey next year, he’s at the very least a top 12 pick up and probably next year’s Heisman winner (boy Id jump all over him if we could pick him though). I guess we’ll just have to try signing someone. Simms isnt Martin, while I like him, he just isnt that element that Martin is. We have too many other needs especially on D, so why add to that hole with this draft? I’d hope the running game is something we wont have to worry about.
Guess we could use a 6th or 7th or “undrafted” on Gronks younger brother and hope he can lure his big Bro Gronk here in the future.
March 2nd, 2016 at 1:20 am
Buncha chicken littles running around these parts!
He is not worth $737,500/game…that just crazy, Joe. He will realize he is not worth what he thinks he is, just as michael bennett did. Bennett just couldn’t come back after being proven wrong. Will martin return with egg?
March 2nd, 2016 at 3:12 am
Martin’s deal is done. 6.8 mill per year.
5 yrs. 15 mill signing bonus.
News conference Wed morning
March 2nd, 2016 at 5:32 am
@ ninety9buc
Where did you see this?
March 2nd, 2016 at 6:21 am
Na, dont think so.
March 2nd, 2016 at 7:20 am
Thumbing through all these comments and all I want to do is laugh. People need to understand the business and positional value along with what’s more important to our team success. There’s no secret that we’ve lacked a pass rush for some time now and we haven’t had a capable secondary in just as long. Those two needs should be the most important out of anything this offseason and judging from the looks of it Jason Licht is thinking the exactly same thing.
Think about it, the tag would’ve cost us $10-12 million this year and I doubt ANY team would’ve have paid Doug Martin that kind of money. So a non-exclusive tag or any tags in general would’ve been an utter waste of salary cap. Plus, no team would’ve been willing to part with 2 first round picks to sign a RB regardless of who he is! I don’t think any team would’ve did that for AP, Leveon, or any other RB period. So what would we get out of tagging a RB at $10-12 million for this year? Go let him test the market. If he comes back with a deal of around $8 million a year like he wants then great, you got your money. But, if he goes out and gets around $6 million a year, like I think he will, then we can match and he’ll come back to Tampa and we avoid overpaying. People are getting mad over the fact that we drafted him, groomed him, and now we don’t want to pay him. The value of RBs have deteriorated in the NFL and it’s not necessary to pay a RB that kind of money. Especially one that’s been battling injuries half of his career and had two bad years sandwiched in between two good years. No RB is worth that kind of money in today’s NFL so if another team is willing to pay him then let them. And just because we have the cap doesn’t mean we should commit into a contract where we’ll be overpaying players. What happens if down the line we need that extra cap and we don’t have it because it’s tied into a big contract for a RB that’ll probably be on the decline in a couple years because he’s currently 27. Just because you have the money doesn’t mean you should overpay.
Rumors are we will not be big players in this year’s free agency but I don’t expect us to make a play on a few guys especially on defense. And seeing that this year’s free agency class lacks star power there will be a bidding war for pass rushers and DBs. Which will lead to some guys getting overpaid and overvalued. Which is fine with me because you NEED pass rushers and pass defenders in today’s NFL. It’s essential if you want to be a team that contenders.
Janoris Jenkins will command big bucks and I don’t see us pursuing him even though I don’t think he’s out the question. I’m sure we’ll probably make a play for Olivier Vernon but seeing he’s the best pass rusher on the market this year his price tag will be inflated. There are guys like Sean Smith and Reggie Nelson who are solid DBs that would definitely help that secondary out. And if we don’t strike a deal to bring Doug Martin back then there are a few RBs out there that could be starters and not break the bank.
I personally think Licht is playing this Martin situation smart and I think Martin will be back with the Bucs. There was no point in tagging him because no one would’ve gave up two first rounders in order to sign him and paying him $10-12 million this year would’ve been stupid. So let him go out and see what his market is because at the end of the day he wants to be in Tampa. So if he comes back with a $5-6 million a year range we could easily match that. I have a lot of faith in Licht and what he’s done drafting wise the past two years. I’m sure he’ll either sign a capable starter to pair with Charles Sims and then he’ll go out and draft a RB to be the eventual replacement. So Bucs Nation needs to just relax and see how it plays out. If Doug walks then there’s no wrong with getting a Matt Forte or Chris Ivory to hold down the spot for a couple years and then draft a RB. You can find a RB in any round of the draft so everybody RELAX.
March 2nd, 2016 at 6:07 pm
BIG mistake if he walks.