The Pewter Plank
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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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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids cornerback Buster Skrine #41 of the New York Jets during a carry in the third quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids cornerback Buster Skrine #41 of the New York Jets during a carry in the third quarter of an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Potential Cuts

Doug Martin

Cutting Martin saves the Buccaneers money and puts an end to a dramatic relationship which hasn’t been really good since his second season with the team.

With the emergence of Barber, the existence of Rodgers, and the likelihood of the team going out in free-agency or the draft to find more talent, it just doesn’t make sense to pay him more than $6 Million in 2018.

The five-year pro will get a shot with another squad, and he may find new life with them the same way Austin Seferian-Jenkins did with the New York Jets.

Which is fine. Ultimately, like some tend to do, this relationship is no longer good for anyone involved. Both sides can only grow if they do so, apart.

Must Read: Bucs DT took two vets to SB

Jacquizz Rodgers

To say Rodgers is a lock to stay on the team wouldn’t be accurate.

He’s only 28-years old despite having just finished his seventh season in the NFL. He’s averaged 3.8 yards per carry over his career and provides the potential to impact the receiving games having twice eclipsed fifty catches in his days with the Falcons.

He’s not as quick and nimble as he once was, but he’s a team player, professional, and knows how to fill his role nicely.

Plus, do you really want to start the new league year with just Peyton Barber on your roster?

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