Doug Martin and Tampa Bay Buccaneers agree to five-year deal
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed running back Doug Martin to a five-year deal.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a surprisingly efficient offense in 2015 and they look to make it even better in 2016. A huge reason for that was the re-emergence of running back Doug Martin. After rushing for 950 yards over his past two seasons (17 games), Martin proved himself by rushing for 1,402 yards and adding 271 receiving yards on 33 receptions. Tampa Bay was set to potentially lose him, but they have re-signed him instead to a five-year deal.
Buccaneers and RB Doug Martin reached agreement on five-year deal worth over $35 million, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
Martin might be 27 years old, but he has averaged more than 20 rushing attempts per game just once in his career (2013). Getting him back in the fold ensures that the Buccaneers have their security blanket for franchise quarterback Jameis Winston, who bonded quickly with Martin by throwing in his direction him 44 times in 2015.
For more NFL free agency news, check out our NFL free agency hub page.
This is a great signing for the Buccaneers. Martin still has a ton of gas left in the tank and should remain productive for at least the next three seasons. If his carries and touches are managed properly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play out the entire contract. He has 3,806 career rushing yards with 20 rushing touchdowns and 873 career receiving yards with two touchdowns.