Doug Martin needs a new contract, and the running back hopes the deal comes from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While appearing on PFT Live, Martin said he wants to stay with the organization that drafted him in 2012, even if that means playing the 2016 season under the franchise tag.
“I love Tampa and Tampa loves me. I’ve got a house out there so I do wish I’ll go back to Tampa.”
Martin said there are negotiations happening behind the scenes, which isn’t surprising since he tallied 1,402 yards and six touchdowns last season. He added 33 catches for 271 yards and a score.
Nine months ago, though, a second contract in Tampa wasn’t a certainty. The front office declined the fifth-year option on Martin’s deal, which meant he would be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Consequent to that resurgent campaign, Martin will have a handful of suitors. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and New England Patriots have a need and may be interested in Martin. Perhaps the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets will inquire, too.
Should any of those clubs manage to swipe the 27-year-old, the Buccaneers will replace Martin with Charles Sims. He tallied 529 rushing yards as well as 51 receptions for 561 yards and four touchdowns.
But if Martin gets his way with a long-term contract or Tampa Bay thinks enough of the Boise State product to use the franchise tag — which is projected to be just south of $12 million, an expensive number for a running back — Sims will remain the backup.
Then, next offseason, we’ll have this same conversation.