The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving on from Doug Martin after the running back’s tumultuous 2017 season.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs informed Martin on Tuesday that he has been released. The move will save them $6.75 million against the salary cap heading into the 2018 season.
Doug Martin, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, was released by Tampa Bay Tuesday, a move that was expected after he failed to rush for less than 500 yards in four of the past five seasons. General manager Jason Licht informed Martin of the move Tuesday morning.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 20, 2018
The decision will save the Bucs $6.75-million that Martin was scheduled to earn in 2018. Because of the structure of his contract, the team will absorb no dead money on their salary cap. The release of Martin opens the door for a new featured running back for the Bucs in 2018
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 20, 2018
The Bucs later confirmed the move.
Martin, 29, finished the 2017 season with just 406 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He missed five games after he served a suspension and violated a team rule upon his return. Peyton Barber led the team with 423 rushing yards, and you can expect Tampa to address the running back position in the draft and/or free agency.
