5 replacements for Doug Martin in Tampa Bay

After the Buccaneers decided to decline a fifth year option on Doug Martin’s contract, who might be the best replacement for him at running back?

Doug Martin showed an extreme amount of promise during his rookie year, running for over 1,400 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries and a lack of production have plagued the first round pick in the 2012 draft since then. The Bucs just can’t trust their muscle hamster anymore, which is why they decided to decline on the 2016 option on Doug Martin’s contract.

Martin still sits atop the Bucs running back position on the depth chart, but paying him over 5 million dollars for a diminished roll would be unwise. Martin hasn’t exceeded over 500 yards these past two seasons and has a combined 3 touchdowns during this time. Not exactly the slump the Buccaneers were hoping for, which is a main reason for them pulling the trigger on the contract extension for the running back.

This would leave a void for the Bucs in 2016 at the position, which is dissapointing considering their high profile number one overall draft pick in Jameis Winston and the hopes the Bucs have for him. Winston is one of those rare talents who has the ability to win now if the supporting cast surrounds him. So the Bucs are going to have to replace him before the 2016 off season is over.

Here are five options the Bucs could jump on if the opportunity arises for them.

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