Fansided

5 replacements for Doug Martin in Tampa Bay

By FanSided Staff

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Forte

Matt Forte has been one of the best backs in the NFL since starting his career with the Chicago Bears in 2008. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in every year with the Bears with the exception of two (929 and 997). His 41 career touchdowns rank 11th among active players and even though he is pushing 30 he might still have a bunch left in the tank.

The good news for the Bucs is that the Bears most likely will not hang on to Forte despite him being so efficient for them. If the Bears do well and Jay Cutler finally does what he is capable of in Chicago, there will be no reason to sign a huge contract for someone who is on the wrong side of 30. If the Bears decide to blow up their team because they don’t do well this year, they will want to acquire a young running back to go along with their other skill position players who are in their lower 20s (Alshon Jeffrey and Kevin White).

If the Bucs want a guy who is going to run hard, put up solid stats, and find the end zone more often than most people in the NFl, then they should look no further. Forte is still an excellent back, and if they want someone who is established in the NFL already, there is no reason not to jump the gun and sign Forte to a 2 or 3 year deal.

Next: 1. Alfred Morris

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