Report: Raiders expected to make ‘strong push’ to sign Doug Martin

Doug Martin had an extremely disappointing last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before they released him, but that has apparently not stopped new Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden from showing a great deal of interest in the veteran running back.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Gruden recently arranged a face-to-face meeting with Martin and came away impressed. Rapoport believes the Raiders will make a “strong push” to sign Martin when free agency begins.

Sources: #Raiders coach Jon Gruden recently arranged for a face-to-face meeting with former #Bucs RB Doug Martin and came away impressed with him as a person. Oakland expected to make a strong push for Martin in free agency.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2018

Martin rushed for 1,402 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry in 2015, but he rushed for far less than that in the past two seasons combined and averaged just 2.9 yards per carry over that span. The 29-year-old missed five games in 2017 after he served a suspension and violated a team rule upon his return.

Marshawn Lynch remains under contract with the Raiders for 2018, and Gruden has also spoken very highly of him. It’s unclear if the coach would be interested in having both backs on the roster.