5 teams that could sign Doug Martin if he is cut

If Doug Martin is not part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ plans for 2017, here are five teams that could sign him.

After finishing second in the NFL in rushing in 2015 (1,402 yards), Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin had a dismal 2016 campaign. A severe hamstring injury sidelined him for six games, then a performance-enhancing dug suspension after testing positive for Adderall ended his season early.

Between the injury, a couple of surprising inactive weeks and the suspension, Martin was not productive (429 rushing yards, 2.9 yards per carry,14 receptions for 134 yards in eight games played). That led to speculation the Buccaneers will cut Martin this offseason, and Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times has more recently suggested that Martin is not in the team’s 2017 plans.

Martin will miss the first three games of next season as he part of his suspension. The Buccaneers signed him to five-year, $35.75 contract ($15 million guaranteed) after his big 2015 season, but Martin’s performance-enhancing drug ban allows the Buccaneers to void all remaining guaranteed money in the deal.

The Buccaneers may cut their losses and release Martin. If that happens, here are five teams who could sign him.

5. New England Patriots

When it comes to turning another team’s trash into their own treasure, no one is better than the Patriots and Bill Belichick. LeGarrette Blount is slated to become a free agent, so New England could actually legitimately be in the market for a running back this offseasn.

Martin may want a proverbial lead back role with a new team, and that’s probably not in the cards with the Patriots. But winning can trump all, so Martin could find a suitable opportunity in Foxboro.