If he is released, who can the Buccaneers replace Doug Martin with?
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
The relationship between the Buccaneers and Doug Martin has been the definition of a roller coaster. He ran wild as a rookie and things were looking up. For two years, he suffered through injuries and poor play and things went the other way. They picked up in 2015 when he finished second in the NFL in rushing.
It bottomed out last year. Martin did not run well when he was available and was hampered by injuries. The “Muscle Hamster” was anything but in 2017. Now with the drug revelations, we are at rock bottom. Martin no longer has any money guaranteed in his contract and may not even be brought back in 2017. As James Yarcho reported, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times does not believe that Martin is part of the Bucs short or long-term plans.
With that, who do they replace him with? Here are five ideas:
Jacquizz Rodgers
Is it possible that the heir apparent to Doug Martin is already in town? The simple answer is yes. Jacquizz Rodgers was signed after the 2016 season began to strengthen the Bucs depth chart. However, with injuries to Martin and Charles Sims, Rodgers ended up being thrust into the spotlight as the lead running back.
To his credit, he took to the role quite well. Rodgers posted back to back 100 yard performances, including a 154 yard performance against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite only 129 carries, Rodgers led the Bucs with 560 rushing yards. Break down his stats more and they become even better. In games when Rodgers carried the ball 15 times or more, he averaged 92.4 yards per game in 2016. That is better than Jay Ajayi, DeMarco Murray and David Johnson, just to name a few.
He’s an unrestricted free agent right now, but it won’t take a lot to bring him back. Do it.
Dalvin Cook
Cook is a guy that has been talked about at length, including by Zach Sauers here at the Pewter Plank. One of the more explosive players in the draft, would he even be available for the Bucs at number 19? Many say no, but if yes, the Bucs would be wise to select him in the upcoming draft.
Quite simply, he has been terrific. Over his final two years at Florida State, he deliver 38 touchdowns and 3,456 rushing yards. In the Orange Bowl victory over Michigan, Cook ran the ball 20 times for 145 yards, showing everyone that he is no stranger to a strong performance in a big game. It sure wouldn’t be the first time the Bucs brought in some home-grown talent. Some guy named Jameis Winston comes to mind as an example.
The question is whether or not Cook will be around when the Bucs go on the clock. Two mock drafts at NFL.com have Cook going prior to number 19, and one has the Bucs passing on Cook. If he is available I don’t see the Bucs passing on him. He could be just that good.
Latavius Murray
If the Bucs are going to open their wallets to find Martin’s replacement, this might be the guy to get. After a slow rookie season, Murray got everyone’s attention with a 1,066 yard, six touchdown performance in 2015, earning him a Pro Bowl invitation. Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and Murray were becoming a serious group of triplets.
Last season, his rushing yards came back to the pack a bit as he finished with 788 yards. However, his touchdown output doubled to 12. He posted at least two touchdowns on three separate occasions, all Raider wins. Over the two seasons, despite the drop in yardage, he was also able to keep his yards per carry at a steady four. Murray has been consistent.
The contract might not be as tough as other free agents. Yes, the Bucs would have to pay for him,, but remember Martin would no longer be on the books. Also, the dip in yardage could serve to limit how big of a raise Murray might be due. His production did decrease. He might be able to be signed on the reasonably cheap.
Christine Michael
Here is a player that has been a backup for most of his career, but when he has played, he has exceled. Christine Michael was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2013 draft, and has played with the Cowboys and Packers as well. He spent most of his time in Seattle behind Marshawn Lynch. However, when Michael got on the field he looked good.
In 26 games with the Seahawks in his career, Michael has average 4.4 yards per carry. He also posted two 100-yard rushing performances, one in 2015 and one in 2016. With the Packers, he saw the ball ten times in the win over the Giants, racking up 47 yards. When given the chance to play, Christine Michael has shown ability, and would be a good fit.
Next: McCoy and Evans Ready to Shine at Pro Bowl
What do you guys think? Who should the Bucs bring in to replace Martin if they let him go?