Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin is likely to test the free agent market come March 9th. The Buccaneers have the cap space to resign Doug. The Buccs also have the cap space to acquire other free agents and improve their team through this year’s NFL Draft.

Coach Dirk Koetter wil continue to be involved in the offensive play calling. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken has already expressed his desire to develop the bucc’s offense into a big play machine. Monken promoted plays of 20+ yards and trick plays during a press conference last month. Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, Austin Sefarian-Jenkins and Charles Simms fantasy football value will only increase. Fantasy owners will also be yelling at the screen when a trick play leads to a no-name 70 yard touchdown from a WR reverse screen pass. Leaving the glory to the one person who played Mr. Future No-Name. Thanks for nothing in advance.

Why is Doug Martin unlikely to resign? The Buccs shouldn’t Franchise Tag him for $11.8 million. That would be bad move in my opinion when Charles Simms is on the roster. Let alone it’s too much money for Doug. This isn’t A.P. here. Doug will garner around $7-8 million per year. Which is overpriced in my opinion as well. Let’s check out Doug Martin’s career stats.

2012

• 319 attempts – 1,454 yards – 11 tds.
• 4.6 ypc.
• 11 plays of 20+ yards.
• 49 receptions – 472 yards – 1 TD.
• 4 plays of 20+ yards.

2013

• 6 games.
• 127 attempts – 456 yards – 1 TD.
• 12 receptions – 66 yards.

2014

• 11 games.
• 134 attempts – 494 yards – 2 tds.
• 13 receptions – 64 yards.

2015

• 288 attempts – 1,402 yards – 6 tds.
• 4.9 ypc.
• 14 plays of 20+ yards.
• 33 receptions – 271 yards – 1 td.
• 2 plays of 20+ yards.

Doug’s stats are not so good that he must be re-signed. In 4 seasons he has only played in 16 games twice. Spending $8 million a year on a 27 year old back wouldn’t help the Buccs get to a Division winning team. Especially with the 6 foot 215 pound Simms crushing it on 3rd downs last season. Fantasy owners don’t care about garbage points. Simms had 51 receptions for 561 yards last season. Rushing for 529 yards on just 107 carries. That’s a 4.9 ypc with 7 plays of 20+ yards total. Todd Monken likes that. Fits right into the plans.

The Buccs need to spend there money on the defensive side of the rock. Bringing in Mike Smith as the defensive coordinator will help. Smith is more versatile with formations than Lovie Smith was. I think the present is bright for Buccs fans. The Franchise qb is in place, a #1 wideout in Evans, an improving offensive line and playmakers on defense. Spending money and drafting to improve the depth of the defensive is key. The 2016 NFL Draft is deep on the D line and secondary positions. Which is where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need the most help.

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