Tampa Bay Bucs running back Doug Martin is the cream of the crop for halfbacks in the 2016 NFL free-agent class, which makes him the hottest target out there for running back-needy teams. With that being said, can Tampa hold on to their star back? Who else could make a play? Here's 3 Teams Who Could Sign RB Doug Martin In 2016 Free Agency.
Tampa Bay Bucs
Martin says he "loves Tampa" and "Tampa loves me," and he's expressed his unwavering desire to return to the Buccaneers. The 31st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the former Boise State Bronco weathered criticism about inconsistency until he silenced his doubters in 2015 -- finishing 2nd to Adrian Peterson (1,485) for the NFL rushing title with 1,402 yards.
What's even more impressive is that Martin had the best yards per carry average (4.9) of any NFL player who rushed for over 830 yards this season and finished second to Peterson (327) for most carries in the league with 288.
What're we saying here? Martin is EXTREMELY VALUABLE to Tampa, especially as Jameis Winston grows into his role as franchise quarterback. The Bucs would be complete dolts not to pay him, but what if they don't...?
Well...
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks might be willing to swoop in with Marshawn Lynch's retirement on the table, bringing Martin back to the Pacific Northwest. Thomas Rawls has been tabbed as the present and future, but Martin would give them the most potent 1-2 running back combo in all of the NFL -- something which would open up a potent Seahawks attack even more for Russell Wilson to dip and dart through opposing defenses.
Martin makes sense logistically, but the financials remain murky. However, if Marshawn Lynch heads to the golf course, why not replace him with the best available option out there?
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has been connected with draft darlings Ezekiel Elliott and 2015 Heisman winner Derrick Henry in recent days, but drafting running backs in the first or second rounds is a dicey move in the current NFL climate. Darren McFadden's injury history makes him a liability if the team leans on him too much. Lance Dunbar is a change-of-pace receiving back, not a lead man. Robert Turbin is effective in a change-of-pace role as well, but as a between-the-tackles bruiser.
Jerry Jones could send Doug Martin a blank check to fill out, giving Tony Romo a running back with an even better upside than DeMarco Murray. Why not?
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