Running back Doug Martin has met with the Buccaneers and is expected to be present for the beginning of the club’s offseason program on Monday, according to Roy Cummings of FanRag. Martin reportedly entered a treatment facility following the announcement of a four-game PED ban, and Tampa Bay sources tell Cummings that Martin is now “all good.”
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The Buccaneers may yet retain Martin, and are expected to let the Martin situation “play out” before making a final decision. Part of the reason for that stance is contractual — because Martin was suspended, his previously guaranteed $7MM base salary for the 2017 campaign is no longer guaranteed. Additionally, Martin is banned until Week 3 of next season, so Tampa doesn’t have to make a call on Martin until nearly a month into the season.
If Tampa Bay’s offseason moves at the running back position are any indication, the club may be willing to give Martin another chance. The Buccaneers did re-sign Jacquizz Rodgers to a two-year deal, but otherwise left their backfield unchanged. Charles Sims, Peyton Barber, and Russell Hansbrough are the other backs currently on Tampa’s roster.
Of course, the Buccaneers could consider a running back at some point in the draft, including at pick No. 19. They’ve met with a number of backs over the past several weeks, including controversial Oklahoma prospect Joe Mixon.