Buccaneers Free Agent Outlook Part II
By James Yarcho
Jacquizz Rodgers – Running Back
The Buccaneers’ leading rusher in 2016 with 560 yards, Jacquizz Rodgers was signed after the first week as a depth piece at running back. Figuring that Doug Martin would continue to thrive in Koetter’s offense, Rodgers was not expected to see much playing time at all.
Oops.
Martin went down with an injury in week two, opening the door for Charles Sims who proved equally ineffective and completely inept at running between the tackles. Rosgers finally got the start in week five when the Bucs traveled to Carolina for Monday Night Football where he proceeded to run the ball thirty times for 101 yards. The following week he thrashed the incompetent 49ers defense for 154 yards.
Related Story: Should Quizz Return?
With Doug Martin’s status in question and Sims having only one year left on his deal, it seems like Rodgers is extremely likely to return as someone to share carries. He won’t be the feature guy – that will come via free agency or draft – but he should continue to be part of this team and this offense.
Unless there is a team out there that saw what he did for the Bucs and they make him an offer to be the feature guy in their offense, the Bucs will get a deal done with him.