The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hoping to re-sign running back Doug Martin in 2016 NFL free agency. He made it clear that he wants to re-sign with the Buccaneers as well, which likely means that a deal will get done fairly quickly.
Martin had struggled since his rookie season, but breaking out in a big way this year was huge for both the Buccaneers and Martin. He proved that he is a starting caliber running back. Tampa Bay will have to give up a fairly large contract in order to bring Martin back long-term, but the money would be well spent.
"I love Tampa and Tampa loves me," Martin said. "I've got a house out there so I do wish I'll go back to Tampa."
He also talked about what would happen if he was given the franchise tag by the Buccaneers for 2016.
"I'll play the year and we'll see what happens," Martin said. "Those negotiations are being talked about behind the scenes."
Throughout the course of the 2015 season, Martin put up big numbers in the best offense he has had around him in Tampa. He carried the football 288 times for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers show why the Buccaneers are so aggressive with getting a new deal done.
At 27 years old, there is plenty of time left for Martin to continue dominating. Jameis Winston was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick last year and Martin fit perfectly next to him in the backfield. Having them grow alongside each other over the next few seasons would be a very wise decision for Tampa Bay.
Expect to see a deal get done fairly early this coming offseason, although the franchise tag could end up happening.
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