Doug Martin

Doug Martin blamed for bulk of Buccaneers' rushing issues

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin "wasn't ever the same" after returning from suspension, general manager Jason Licht said.

What It Means:

"I think the lack of, or having a hard time getting the run game going was…you know, Doug just didn't have…he just wasn't ever the same,'' Licht said, referring to Martin's suspension that sidelined him until Week 5. Licht added that "things started going a little bit better" once Peyton Barber "kind of arrived" later in the season. It sounds like the Buccaneers are ready to move on from the former first-round pick, who will be entering his age-29 campaign in 2018. If they choose to cut him, Martin's $6.75-million salary would be wiped off the books.

Martin averaged 6.5 FanDuel points in 11 games (eight starts) this season, with 138 rushes for 406 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 9 catches (18 targets) for 84 yards through the air.