Doug Martin

Buccaneers release Doug Martin after 6 seasons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released running back Doug Martin, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

What It Means:

The Bucs were expected to let Martin go all along. The guarantees in what's left of his three-year contract were eliminated when he was suspended in 2016. Last year, he proceeded to disappoint in Tampa Bay, with Peyton Barber passing him up on the depth chart. Jacquizz Rodgers is the only running back under contract at this time, but Barber's an exclusive rights free agent so he could be back on a one-year deal. It wouldn't be surprising for the Bucs to look for a rookie early on in this year's draft.

In 2017, Martin made just 8 starts as he ran for 406 yards and 3 touchdowns on 138 attempts. He added a mere 84 yards in the Tampa Bay passing game.