Doug Martin expected to test free agency

One of the league’s top rushers could have a new home next season.

Doug Martin is expected to test free agency, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud.

Martin, 27, was second in the NFL with 1,402 rushing yards last season. Though Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht says there is mutual interest from both sides in having the Muscle Hamster return to the team, Stroud says the two sides are far apart on a deal. He also reports that Martin is hoping to hit the jackpot.

Martin has been with the Bucs for four seasons, topping 1,400 yards twice. His 4.9 yards per carry was best in the league for backs with at least 200 carries.

As a baseline for expectations, DeMarco Murray got $8 million per season in free agency as the league’s leading rusher following the 2014 season. Perhaps Martin will want a similar amount.