“I Don’t Think Doug Martin Is Going To Be Part Of Their Plans”
January 25th, 2017
Days may be done.
Doug Martin’s days wearing a Bucs uniform are all but over.
That’s what a long-time Bucs beat writer believes. Rick Stroud took to the airwaves of WDAE-AM 620 yesterday to talk all things Bucs and the Tampa Bay Times reporter briefly discussed the Martin situation.
Martin, injury-riddled in three of his five NFL seasons and now a known user of a banned PED, will miss the first three games of 2017 while completing his four-game suspension. And Stroud does not believe Martin will return to Tampa Bay when his sentence is served.
“I don’t know that they will take a running back in the first round or maybe even the second, I don’t know,” Stroud said. “But you have to address the running back situation. I don’t think Doug Martin is going to be part of their plans, short- or long-term, in my opinion. That’s just me. [Due in part to Martin’s] history of injuries.”
It is hard to believe the Bucs would bring Martin back under his current contract. By getting popped in a whiz quiz, Martin voided the guaranteed $7 million in his contract, but if the Bucs keep him under the same deal, he will still be owed the $7 million next season (minus the three games of lost pay).
Of course, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht could tell Martin’s representative to agree to, say, $3 million or hit the streets. This would assume Martin is able to successfully complete the drug rehab he stated (through his spokesman) he would enter. That is another unknown.
Combine the injury history, suspension and rehab, and Martin has zero leverage with the Bucs. If Licht obtains a top-shelf running back via free agency, trade or draft, then the handwriting is on the wall; Martin is done.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:05 am
…. Out of respect I’ll leave it alone….
January 25th, 2017 at 9:06 am
Who wants this guy? He seems like a nice guy. Stayed out of the headlines until last year. But his production is abysmal for that kind of money.
I’m not sure if I have to choose I wouldn’t pick Quizz over Martin at this point in his career. Are we sure it was the Molly that had Doug rushing almost a yard per attempt less than Quizz.
Maybe Doug is just done and it’s time to stick a fork in him. I just do not see the upside to a HUGE gamble. AP is a HUGE gamble as well but there is a giant upside IF he could remain healthy. If Doug remains healthy you just get another run of the mill RB who gets pulled down from behind even if we get him into the secondary. There are a BUNCH of those to be had in later rounds this year.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:08 am
Not the best offseason for Rbs that’s for sure… unless we go ap which is another debate on it’s own.
Right now I think our best option is to retain Doug. He can compete with Quiz and another cheap FA (deangelo williams?) We all could see how he performs when he’s motivated. Unless we draft a rb high(which I doubt) or land an elite rb like ap, we are not going to have a workhorse. It will be a committee.
Nobody is going to sign doug for 7. He may get 4 from a desperate team and in that case let him go, but I am still confident licht is smart enough to retain him knowing his ability when healthy. I think they keep him for 3 as indicated and he rebounds BIG time.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:12 am
I’ve maintained for the past month now. Martin is gone. Toast.
For Sale : 1 Doug Martin jersey – size : XL – $1.99 OBO.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:14 am
The word that stands out to me is “leverage”. The Bucs hold all the leverage. This could put the Bucs in position to re-sign Martin to a cheaper deal. He knows the offense and, when healthy, is a decent back. Retaining Martin under a different deal would allow the team to address other needs.
Now, that said, if he’s not willing to do the things asked and take less pay……
Bye Felicia!!!
Then Nole, you look at the other options.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:16 am
BRING BACK LEGARETTE!!!!!
January 25th, 2017 at 9:18 am
@Buc1987
$1.99!!!!!!!!! Buc1987 the shrewdest trader on JBF!!!!!!! You should sell the whole package for $2.50, comes with crutches and a pill bottle!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
January 25th, 2017 at 9:25 am
Would the players union allow a contract renegotiation for lesser $$? I thought they frowned upon those kids of things.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:34 am
Cow:
Union might frown but when alternative for the player is unemployment, not much more they can do.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:35 am
Even if they decided not to address the RB position and just stuck with Quizz and Sims it isnt worth it to keep Doug Martin.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:39 am
@joeypoppems
Yes, you’re exactly right. Only problem with that is Quiz won’t last a full season healthy and sims is not a lead/between the tackles back. Sprinkle in doug’s questionable performance and the whole gang is worrisome. That would be the only issue.
I’d take a 3rd rounder to solidify the unit.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:39 am
Don’t be too sure that Tampa is gonna flush Doug Martin.
I think him going to drug rehab may be the key to what we are gonna do with him.
Maybe the Bucs feel that him attending rehab will make his re signing (at way less money) an easier pill for the Tampa area to swallow ?
I am concerned because he hardly ran for any yards per carry average last year, and he was ON THE JUICE too.
So, what will he do when he is off the juice ?
January 25th, 2017 at 9:45 am
Chris…I’ve been thinking about that same thing. How productive is he going to be “off the juice”?
January 25th, 2017 at 9:47 am
@Chris – he wasn’t on the juice rather partying with molly on his off time. That in no way is performance enhancing. Did we forget he was the 2nd leading rusher in the NFL a year ago? He did have a down year but why not give him a chance to stay clean & re focus on football for a much cheaper contract?
January 25th, 2017 at 9:48 am
I was kinda OK with bringing him back… BUT
Can’t stop seeing him get run down in the open field too many times…
Let em go.
Eric Says:
January 25th, 2017 at 9:16 am
BRING BACK LEGARETTE!!!!!
That’s not a terrible idea. But would he leave Brady? He’s that bruiser that I feel we need. Regardless of who’s running though, fix the damn line
January 25th, 2017 at 9:53 am
I want him back. Especially if he extra motivated.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:55 am
@Eric
Yea im not saying they should roll with Quizz. Just putting in perspective how expendable I believe Doug Martin is. And I agree, a 3rd round RB would be great value. Im liking the idea of Wayne Gallman, if I had to put a name to that 3rd round pick.
January 25th, 2017 at 9:56 am
When healthy he is dangerous and proved it. This is not a football team that can afford to say bye to productive talent although idiot Licht has been doing it for 3 last years
January 25th, 2017 at 10:01 am
Every other day I can’t post comments
January 25th, 2017 at 10:01 am
The options at UFA Back and RFA Backs looks horrible, with the exception of our own Muscle Gerbil – Rodgers. Re-sign Quizz, and him and Sims some company via the draft.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:05 am
Get Martin to agree to a new deal. $2M base with incentives up to $4-5M if he returns to pro bowl form. Promise him all is forgiven and he will have every opportunity to win his starting job back. Then cut him, re-sign him to the new deal and let the chips fall where they may…
January 25th, 2017 at 10:16 am
Im not opposed to bring back bkth blount and zuttah. Bkth would probably really like it here now yhat thibgs have turned around
January 25th, 2017 at 10:18 am
Martin is pure garbage. He screwed his teammates. He doesn’t score, has no breakaway speed and a ton of his contract year yards were meaningless garbage. Like GMC Martin was a leader of the losing culture it would be asinine for bucs to bring a pathetic loser like Martin back. Sends a message to team it’s OK to screw over your teammates we will reward you by bringing you back. Flush Martin. I look forward to watching his ass pushing a shopping cart Toothless looking for rock on Nebraska
January 25th, 2017 at 10:20 am
@buc15 , I was unaware he was messing with the Molly. I sort of wondered why a person would go to drug treatment for PED use ?
If he was messing with the Molly (MMDA) aka Ectasy, who knows what it did to him.
Perhaps he is worth taking a chance on, especially since we surely can get his services cheap.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:21 am
Why not restructure the deal for that 3 milly or whatever the Bucs feel comfortable with and structure the deal to be incentive and performance based. Everyone knows what Martin is capable of when healthy. I also believe the bucs need to address the position early in the draft whether its 2nd or 3rd round. Question is this team needs an impact runner to be successful esp with a young qb. Do they feel comfortable leaving it in the hands of a young newly drafted RB right away? That why I say restructure the deal, performance based, and add competition via draft. This would ensure depth for the time being and could always cut Martin later.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:32 am
@whatdabuc
who knows man? Belichick loves to purge players and may do so again considering he’ll want more money. Plus there are roomers of Belicheck retiring.
@joey
you’re right he is expendable. I like him so im biased.
@tmax
slow down man. that amount of hate is unwarranted. He made a mistake. Other than that he’s been injured and I don’t think he deserves that sort of backlash. I personally believe the biggest issue was cuz he rushed back from injury. molly’s can be dropped in no time.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:34 am
Lol say it again St.Pete its alot of those to found in the later rounds.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:39 am
Wooo my bro Tmax hit hard. But can I argue with his premise. No.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:43 am
Eric
YES he made a bad choice I’ve made thousands many worse than Martin’s choice but I was not paid millions nor was i a key piece to a successful season. Also let’s not kid ourselves the Martin partying rumors are not new so none of us know for sure how his lifestyle choices affected his long injury history. Sorry I have no respect for people who throw winning lottery tickets down the toilet for Molly and most likely other substances. It’s one thing to throw a McDonald’s career away with a bad choice it’s another thing to throw ten million or more down the drain. He deserves a bad fate
January 25th, 2017 at 10:45 am
I’ve said it on the other threads and will say it on this one. We’ve signed two FBs since the season ended. Who are they thinking of protecting??? Quizz is still unsigned,why??? This is a playaction offense not a pass heavy like Atlanta and GB. This requires a star in the backfield to sale the playaction something we couldn’t with later round found charles Sims. So go ahead keep dreaming of #2 WRs and TEs. Week soon see what’s good.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:49 am
@Nosbos
UFA cant be signed until March 9th, so thats why he isnt signed, but I get what youre saying
January 25th, 2017 at 10:53 am
LOLOL, Chris he wasn’t on “the juice.” You need to review the leagues substances list as “performance enhancing.” The drugs he was abusing and became addicted to are performance unenhancing.
Regardless, with all of the injuries and lack of production in 3 out of 5 years it is time to move on even if he kicks his Molly habit.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:54 am
Martin has played 5 seasons.
He has been very productive 2 out of 5 seasons.
He has been trash 3 out of 5 seasons.
Why are we debating keeping an RB that is only successful 40% of the time.
Move on.
January 25th, 2017 at 10:55 am
@tmaxcon.
I agree with everything you just said except I strongly/sincerely do not believe he deserves a bad fate for partying at 27 whether he is an NFL player or a Mcdonald’s employee. That’s a little much.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:03 am
Eric
Fair enough. I’m getting harsh in my old age. The lack of personal responsibility in this day and age is mind-boggling. Seems like thier is a label or an excuse for every mistake made it’s never the personal responsibility of the idiot making the poor choice…. World would be a much better place if people were held accountable versus being given a free pass…
January 25th, 2017 at 11:04 am
Stpetebucsfan Says
“Who wants this guy? He seems like a nice guy. Stayed out of the headlines until last year. But his production is abysmal for that kind of money.”
I would like him to stay a Buccaneer, but not with his current contract, and not as a starter unless he earns it.
I like Doug. I think this one mistake is bad, but it isn’t insurmountable. So long as he kicks the habit, then I think he should be judged only on performance from here on out.
A good contract, in my opinion, would be $3m per year for 3 years, no guarantees.
Doug is family. One mistake does not change that. If it continues to be a problem, then that’s a whole other thing.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:10 am
@tmaxcon
Entirely agree. If that standard was consistent with everyone, than I have all the confidence that he may not have made that decision. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:12 am
Thanks Pop. March 9th I’ll be tuning inn.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:15 am
It’s the perfect time to move on from Martin with so many high-level RB’s available in the draft. Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, D’Onta Foreman, or Samaje Perine would all be upgrades over Doug Martin in my opinion. We lucked out with his failed drug test and can now get out of that horrible contract. We can use the cap savings to strengthen other areas.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:16 am
I think those calling for accountability should have done the same thing when Lovie was here, in regard to Jason Licht. Because Jason got none of the blame.
It;s not that I would have wanted him gone. Had people said both screwed up, that Lovie had to go but Licht should stay, I would have been fine with that. But everyone blamed EVERYTHING on Lovie, and Jason Licht has stated on multiple occasions that the free agent mess during that time was entirely his fault.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:27 am
Bonzai… C’mon yo, that’s spilled milk… Let it go. Doesn’t matter anymore… Let it go. Your starting to sound like Tmax with the ongoing obsession with the past… Let it go
You one of the better posters on here… Let it go
January 25th, 2017 at 11:30 am
Bonzi
Clean your crack pipe and get out of here with that Lovie BS…. Lovie had full control and failed Jason Licht is going to win a super bowl in Tampa and your Lovie Dovie is going down as worst pr stunt and coach in buccaneer history…. Still butt hurt over bad character Lovie getting exactly what his sorry ass deserved. Get over it
January 25th, 2017 at 11:39 am
Pop what also makes me wonder is why didn’t they bring in a FB during the season??? Lockers weren’t all the way cleaned out before they had signed two Big beefy hulks. He clearly wants one Javorskie Lane didn’t work out an they’re still searching. That’s kinda pecuiler to me.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:43 am
Lastly Pop he has an obsession with running that toss sweep. The one that had me punching the wall everytime he ran it with DM and it would result in a loss. No one in the country better at reaching that edge then my boi Dalvin. No one in the country.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:54 am
@Bonzi
Maybe Lovie got all the blame because he never took/ accepted any!!!! It was always an excuse of this and that!!!!
On the other side NFL GM Licht at the end of the year told his mistakes and say exactly where he messed up and took FULL responsibility for it!!!!!
Not to mention that NFL GM Licht looks better and better each day he is away from the incompetent one!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 25th, 2017 at 11:56 am
There is no way Martin could come back at his current contract. The best case scenario for him if he cleans up his drug act is to play at a cheaper contract but even then his role would be reduced I would suspect. Another RB will be drafted.
January 25th, 2017 at 11:58 am
@Nosbos
I believe they were using Alan Cross as a hybrid TE/HB so he was kind of in that FB position.
Yea Dalvin is a good runner inside and outside. With that said, there is a lot of middle ground between being the best and being better than what we have currently. My line of thinking when it comes to drafting a RB is that there are players that will be upgrades over Quizz and Sims available on day 2 maybe even early day 3. To me getting a “B” rated player in rounds 3-4 at any position is tremendous value. Finding a starter in those rounds is more valuable than a developmental/depth pick.
January 25th, 2017 at 12:16 pm
gotta move on from martin….plain and simple….plenty of good rbs in the draft….donte foreman, james connor, wayne gallman, I cant think of their names but the kid from penn state, the kid from san diego state(maybe a little too small), raf webb from vandy, yearby from “the u”, m.mack from usf…the list goes on and on….GO BUCS!!!!
January 25th, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Even without the drug issue I wouldn’t want him back. Two good seasons out of five.
January 25th, 2017 at 12:54 pm
No time to read all the comments but what about Latavious Murray?
January 25th, 2017 at 1:05 pm
Doug made his choice. Unfortunately, it didn’t include his family (Team). It’s one thing to help out a family member that has strayed, but In business (sorry libs) you go belly up, ( In football – not making the playoffs) if a important member of the business team doesn’t perform. In business, you fire the malcontent and find a better replacement. This isn’t a family question, it’s a business decision. Flush him ! Move on.
January 25th, 2017 at 1:43 pm
I must be the Lone Ranger here. Like everyone I think we can upgrade talent at every position except QB and maybe CB…could but not need a safety…a DE…an OL..especially a right tackle…TE for blocking and speed…etc
But I think our primary need is at RB and WR. I’d love to get a burner like Desean Jackson or Terrelle Pryor some speed and a legitimate #2 in FA.
Then I’d love to get both Cook and Forman. I’m not greedy am I? LOL
I just see the return of Alstott and Dunn and while Mike was a far better receiver that Foreman…Foreman is a far better blocker…best in this year’s class and at 250 he’s physical.
This is a playaction offense not a pass heavy like Atlanta and GB. This requires a star in the backfield to sale the playaction
Exactly NOSBOS. This is why I would love to shake up the entire football world and get both Dalvin and Foreman and return to Thunder and Lightning. We’d still have five picks to fill OL, more WR’s and DE…
January 25th, 2017 at 1:45 pm
@Stpete
Dont get your hopes up for both of those RBs
January 25th, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Eric says:
“@tmax – slow down man. that amount of hate is unwarranted”
Eric meet tmax – tmax, Eric…
Eric, tmax is the ringleader of unwarranted hate round these parts so you will just have to get used to it…
January 25th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
FB are a dieing breed in the NFL. Dont think drafting a guy capable of being a feature back after drafting a feature back and converting him to a glorified blocker is a smart decision. Just my opinion tho
January 25th, 2017 at 2:19 pm
I hear ya Joey. I’m not certain we’ll even get one much less both.
Just saying it’s worked very well for us in the past and for Carolina recently.
In addition many teams are being forced to do RB by committee because of the pounding RB’s take. Why not get Cook and Foreman and lengthen both of their careers and limit the times when we are forced to go to a #2 RB instead of having 1A and 1B. I just Cook and Foreman as very complimentary to each other and having both in the backfield at the same time could present some creative challenges for a DC. I think Dirk maximizes utilization of these guys to the max.
January 25th, 2017 at 2:32 pm
@Stpete
I get what you’re saying and I like the idea of having 2 backs that compliment each other. Just don’t think they have to be the first 2 picks of the draft lol. Hell, Donnel Pumphrey could be available in round 6 after his weigh in yesterday (5′ 8″ 169 lbs official size) and he would fit great as the speedy receiver type in that formula
January 25th, 2017 at 2:33 pm
Tmaxcon, ? ” I look forward to watching his ass pushing a shopping cart Toothless looking for rock on Nebraska”
Why would anyone wish this on another human being? Have you ever been in those who live this life’s shoes, clothes, or their place they call “bed”? This is not a pretty place, that life IS A HARD B!TCH! One you NEVER EVER want to return to or wish that life on someone else. It sometimes takes only ONE mistaken step to get you to that place in LIFE! Then thousands upon thousands of steps to try to get out of that life. I can not tolerate those who belittle these folks and wish this “life” for others. What has happened to us folks having some compassion for your neighbors, brothers and sisters, moms and dads, complete strangers and even popular football players who made a mistake in life? Most folks speak of themselves as being a follower of the religion that preaches about the “golden rule” yet do not put that following that rule into daily life’s actions.
Mr. Martin made a mistake, he is trying to correct his mistake and allow himself to continue on in his life. I agree he let his teammates, coaches, and fans down. I see no reason to wish him or his family anymore ill will. I wish for him the best. If we bring him back or not. Good luck Mr. Martin in this battle.
Go Bucs!
January 25th, 2017 at 2:33 pm
pickgrin
lol I thought I noticed a trend.
January 25th, 2017 at 2:33 pm
And idk if it has much to do with punishment they take. It certainly helps. I think skill sets and scheme is a bigger factor
January 25th, 2017 at 2:36 pm
@stpete
I agree, our biggest need is by far WR. I mean we basically lost or never had VJax, Bell, Murphy, Shorts, and ASJ(as a receiving threat) last season. I’m not quite sure how the majority doesn’t agree with this.
January 25th, 2017 at 2:43 pm
I don’t know. Considering the endless roster needs, I see retaining Martin as a benefit. Look, we already knew that we would have to replace him. The plan was there for after 2 years. Why not retain him? He knows the offense, he knows how to block, and he was 2nd in the league in rushing not that long ago. We still have a contingency plan.
I just feel like Buc fans are always so quick to want to rid themselves of players. We’ve seen it time and again; Blount, Zuttah, Talib, Penn. We acted the same way with those guys and look where they are.
My goodness, we were heaping praise on the guy while he played chicken with AP 2 years ago.
January 25th, 2017 at 2:48 pm
@Eric
I think he meant Lone Ranger on the 2 RB idea lol
January 25th, 2017 at 2:54 pm
@Bucsfanman
Does it really matter if he knows the offense when he has a problem staying on the field to run the offense? Honestly if he never got suspended and was still guaranteed his salary, the only people that would want him to be cut are the same people that want GMC gone lol
January 25th, 2017 at 3:09 pm
@Joey- Good point! Also, I don’t remember people wanting to run Kwon out the door for the SAME EXACT thing. Oh the hypocrisy! “He quit on his team!” Isn’t that what people have said?
January 25th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
@Bucsfanman
Whether it is fair or not this will always be true. The greater the talent, the greater the tolerance. Kwon was having a great rookie year and was a key part to the defense. If Doug was healthy and had 1000+ yards when he got suspended more people would want him to stay
January 25th, 2017 at 4:21 pm
The more I think about it the more I can see the Bucs taking McCaffrey at 19. Not sure I love it or hate it but I could see it happening.
January 25th, 2017 at 4:50 pm
Folks say “endless roster needs” asinine. I agree 29th Tony Dungy “the Bucs are one playmaker away on both sides of the ball from being true playoff contenders”.
January 25th, 2017 at 4:51 pm
-with Tong Dungy
January 25th, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Was that just last year 99.89% of you all were sniffing all over Dougs jock/strap!! BUILD A WALL …….not in Mexico!!! What a Dumb ass!!
January 25th, 2017 at 7:18 pm
You know how it gose BigHog. Janet said “what have you done for me lately”..
January 26th, 2017 at 6:34 am
I’m not against taking OJ Howard at 19. He is the best blocking TE in this draft. Bucs offense is based on playaction. Imagine Brate and Howard on the field and the defense has to worry about it being a run or a pass play. New England did it for years. We are lucky it’s a deep draft for running backs. Heck a starter can be found in the 4th and 5th rounds.
January 26th, 2017 at 7:03 am
I don’t think there’s any way Martin returns next season. And I’d say the same for Hey Jude. I was sticking up for Martin until it was announced he was suspended for 4 games. The offense took a huge step back in 2016…in large part due to a weak running game ( except for Rodgers and flashes from A. Smith prior to injury ). Martin let the team down…following a rich payday no less.
January 26th, 2017 at 8:15 am
Get Joe mixon
January 26th, 2017 at 9:13 am
@Nole- “endless roster needs”= Play-makers AND depth for when those play-makers get injured. Last year we were one Mike Evans injury away from being in the toilet bowl, AGAIN!
We need depth Nole. You know that.
January 26th, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Molly is NOT X it is a form of it but much much much worse… draft perine and for everyone saying it’s not a big deal for RB just look at cowboys they elevated their game by drafting Zeek… mic drop
January 30th, 2017 at 8:21 pm
Drop Martin, trade back in first for later first and another second and get Christian McCaffery. Pick a wide out and D.E with 2 second picks. I think McCaffery would be an awesome back and there is plenty of WR talent this year