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Buccaneers Off-Season Position Preview: Running Backs

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball near the goal line to set up a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball near the goal line to set up a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 26: Jacquizz Rodgers #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 26: Jacquizz Rodgers #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Currently on 2018 Roster

Doug Martin (138 carries / 406 yards / 2.9 ypc / 3 touchdowns)

Jacquizz Rodgers (64 carries / 244 yards / 3.8 ypc / 1 touchdowns)

The saga of Martin’s time with the Buccaneers has been well chronicled and discussed. He possesses All-Pro potential, but just hasn’t been able to harness it consistently enough to stick around as one of the NFL’s premier running backs.

2012 and 2015 were Pro Bowl campaigns. The rest – well – were not.

In the two solid seasons, the former first-round draft pick came just shy of 1,500 yards. In the others, he came in short of 500.

If his career were to be turned into a real-life roller coaster, it would be terrifying. Now, following a drug suspension and eventual benching, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks he’ll be on the roster for 2018.

Must Read: 2018 Roster Preview: Quarterback

Releasing him nets the Bucs $6.75 Million in saved cap space.

Rodgers has ties with head coach Dirk Koetter dating back to his days in Atlanta.

He brings a career rushing average of 3.8 yards which happens to be the same average he carried in 2017.

With four starts, Rodgers appeared in all sixteen games in 2017 gaining 244-yards on 64 carries with one rushing touchdown.

I was honestly a little surprised we didn’t see more of Rodgers once Martin was more or less shut down following Week 11.

Rodgers carries a price tag of just $1.6 Million and having a veteran around to help mold the younger backs on the roster would be wise.

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