Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin seemed to be on the path to hit free agency and likely on his way out of the NFC South. However, the Bucs did not want to let their franchise back slip through their fingers.
Doug Martin knew he was going to get paid no matter where he ended up signing. So, he decided to stick with the team that gave him his first shot in the NFL as it was reported by Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune that Martin had signed a new five-year deal with the Buccaneers.
The #Bucs have agreed to terms on a deal to retain 2-time Pro Bowl RB Doug Martin, per league source. Big signing for Tampa Bay.
— Roy Cummings (@RCummingsFHCN) March 9, 2016
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also confirmed that the deal is for five years and worth $35 million. The Buccaneers did somewhat hurt themselves by not using Martin’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract, but they have locked him up, which is what they really wanted.
Martin has had a terrific career with the Bucs so far as he has rushed for over 3,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. He came back from an injury in 2013 and rushed for 1,402 yards last year, nearly beating out Adrian Peterson for the NFL rushing title.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
