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2016 NFL Free Agency: 5 teams who should sign Doug Martin

By John Buhler

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) takes a handoff from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston during the second half of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bears won 26-12. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) takes a handoff from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston during the second half of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bears won 26-12. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) works out prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) works out prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. player. 47. . AFC. East. New England Patriots

While they are still the best team in the NFL over the last 15 years, the 2015 New England Patriots largely overachieved offensively behind their worst offensive line in the Bill Belichick era. Belichick had to essentially abandon the running game, as the offensive line could not run block to save its hide.

Fortunately for the Patriots, Tom Brady is a generational gifted passer and was able to recreate an effective running game in the aggregate in the bubble-screen passing game to slot receivers like Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.

Though the Patriots are once again on the short list of teams eying a trip to Super Bowl LI in Houston this upcoming February, perhaps one way that they can field a more balanced team is to sign Martin. Belichick would probably get another All-Pro season out of the former Boise State Bronco as a great, all-purpose scat back. Martin ran for two fewer yards (1,402) than did the entire 2015 Patriots (1,404).

He’s the type of player that  Belichick could conceivably get 1,750 all-purpose yards out of in 2016 should the Patriots go after the two-time Pro Bowler. Martin is the type of player that can generate yardage without playing behind a great offensive line, something the Patriots don’t have entering 2016. Not that Belichick will overspend in free agency, but bringing in Martin could reduce some of the Patriots’ offensive woes this offseason.

Next: 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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