Doug Martin Emerges
April 8th, 2017
Goes public
Doug Martin, everyone’s favorite Muscle Hamster, had been silent since issuing a statement immediately following his four-game drug suspension in December.
Martin disappeared from social media. And he wasn’t always seen around his Tampa neighborhood, though Dirk Koetter said he looked great during a winter visit to One Buc Palace.
Yesterday, 10 days before the Bucs report to work for the 2017 season, Martin re-emerged on Twitter. You can see it all right here. It’s a picture of Martin sitting in the middle of the Boise State stadium turf, with his back to the camera and empty stands around him. The statement reads, “Never forget your past, it’s the foundation that built your existence and the secret to your future.”
So what next for Martin?
Well, barring failed urine tests, Joe is confident Martin will report back to the Bucs on time and in great shape, and with a great attitude. He’s a good guy who has been a bad teammate — not a bad guy who is doomed to a life of trouble.
Joe still believes the Bucs will wash their hands of Martin before training camp. However, Martin’s odds of another chance in Tampa improve with every passed drug test and every work day that includes him looking like the best running back in practice.
If Martin can be a model teammate, and look like a 28 year old running back with a ton of juice in his legs, then the team attitude on him could change a lot in 100 days.
Maybe, just maybe, after tearing up Martin’s nearly $8 million per season contract, the Bucs offer him a veteran-minimum deal before training camp.
April 8th, 2017 at 12:02 pm
That turf is ugly.
April 8th, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Nothing to see here, time to move on
April 8th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
“Never forget your past, it’s the foundation that built your existence and the secret to your future.
Maybe the quote means he will be an assistant coach at Boise State this year.
April 8th, 2017 at 12:16 pm
I think this is a great situation for the Bucs
Bring him back at vets minimum and make him earn it
Or throw some money at bonuses like 1000 yard season
April 8th, 2017 at 12:31 pm
^ I was thinking the exact same thing … he may just be hedging his bets and if he gets cut by the Bucs and no one else (Patriots) scoops him up, he may just retire and want to coach at Boise …
April 8th, 2017 at 12:35 pm
I hope Doug Martin is on the Bucs next year. Having said that, I hope it’s under a new contract for much less money and, as of now, I hope the Bucs walk away with one of the top 3 RB’s in the first round. But Martin has been very productive at times, and I love him as depth for this team.
April 8th, 2017 at 12:35 pm
I’m a fan of Doug Martin. I think they’re gonna give him the chance to play out his contract… He’s worth more than the minimum. Hell prove the media wrong.
April 8th, 2017 at 12:37 pm
SteelStudBuc … if Licht allows him to “play out his contract” that is a FIREABLE OFFENSE as he could easily cut him and re-sign him to a cheaper deal …. you don’t just burn $$$$ for fun without getting fired, at least not unless you work for the Bengals, lol
April 8th, 2017 at 12:43 pm
I wish Doug the best but the only way I would keep him around is to a very short term and minimum salary contract. He seems to do best when he has to prove his worth like in a contract year. I would never give him a lucrative deal again. He just loafs after getting paid.
If he is clean and actually gives maximum effort, then he has some value to the team after his suspension, even if we draft a RB, Martin could just be rotational or solid depth. At a short term minimal salary, that may be worth considering.
April 8th, 2017 at 12:48 pm
Martin will come back with a vengeance,he will be in beast mode.hes broke and he knows he’ll have to prove himself to the rest of the league if not the Bucs to get another Fat contract! I hope we keep him.tampaaaaa
April 8th, 2017 at 12:52 pm
I like Doug Martin and hope he proves the nay sayers wrong.
that said, he doesn’t deserve to play at his current contract, IMHO
April 8th, 2017 at 12:58 pm
There’s no logical reason to get rid of Martin until his suspension is complete….injuries happen and he’s the best back you could expect to snag once week 4 comes around. i think he stays until we reach week 4….then depending on who we draft, how they are playing, and if the injury bug gets us…or another team, that will determine his status.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:18 pm
“Maybe, just maybe, after tearing up Martin’s nearly $8 million per season contract, the Bucs offer him a veteran-minimum deal before training camp”
Doesn’t work that way Joe. Martin’s contract due to pay him $7M this year is only voided if the Bucs cut him. Unless Doug were to agree to sign a new contract for less $ and thus voiding the old one which seems unlikely to me.
But they can’t just tear up his contract. The only difference in the terms of the contract at this point due to the PED suspension is that the Bucs no longer have to guarantee him the $7M which was not previously the case. They are free to cut him and owe him nothing. But if they keep Martin on the roster after he comes back from suspension and no new deal has been agreed to by both sides – then they will have to pay him $7M this year. Its either cut him or pay him $7M. Those are the choices that the Bucs have control over.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:19 pm
So it was “the media” who p!ssed a positive drug test? Was it “the media” who shoved (Mollie?) down his throat? Allegedly.
Was it “the media” who had one of worst numbers in the NFL last year?
Was it “the media” who has had three sh!tty years in five seasons?
The culprit here lies squarely at the feet of Doug Martin, no one else. No need to invent fake scapegoats.
Joe wishes Martin the best, both personally and professionally. However, he has burned through whatever trust he had.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:26 pm
There is no possibility of him remaining if he refuses to redo his contract (I think). So until we hear that he is, not much point to all this.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:39 pm
Dougie Fresh is gone and
……”You can take that to the bank!”
April 8th, 2017 at 1:40 pm
They’re gonna keep Doug. After this season they can let him go if he doesn’t live up to expectations. People make mistakes. I’m hoping he comes back strong and tears it up for the Bucs. He could be the x factor this year. Maybe if Sims can play healthy it’ll be like 2015 again.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
To bring Martin back on the “vet minimum” means putting him on waivers first. That gives every team a chance to take over his current contract.
If none do, then he is an unrestricted free agent who can sign with ANYONE, not just the Bus, for any $$$ that team offers.
Those claiming he should be forced to play for a “prove it” vet minimum contract have no idea what they’re talking about.
The Bucs do NOT hold all the cards.
I suspect Martin will be a key component of the Bucs offense this coming season. If he returns full if piss and vinegar—and I’ll bet he does—that frees the team to drafting other players and not spending a choice on a RB…which would be ideal, IMO.
A healthy, motivated DM, healthy Charles Simms, Jaquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber makes for a much better-than-average backfield.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:44 pm
If the Bucs draft a running back in the first round, that is a very loud tell about the immediate future of Doug Martin.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:51 pm
Joe Says:
The NFL has always been rife with players who lost trust and came back to make great turnarounds.
Look no further than the Bucs own Warren Sapp.
Trust can be re-earned, but it takes real effort and dedication to the task over time, observed by teammates and coaches (or, in real life, spouses, kids, employers, partners and/or parents when one screws up royally and are not a pro athlete.)
It’s clear the Bucs are going to give Doug Martin that chance. One of the Glazers said as much about redemption and second chances without specifically mentioning Martin. What he does with that chance is all that really matters.
That said, I do suspect he’s on a short string.
It’s all up to Martin.
April 8th, 2017 at 1:52 pm
Joe Says:
No doubt.
“IF”
April 8th, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Sign Martin with an incentive loaded contract and take a RB in the third round.
April 8th, 2017 at 2:17 pm
He will be in the team, draft another back and cut simms after camp
April 8th, 2017 at 2:17 pm
If he plays for Tampa this year it will not be the vet minimum. It won’t be $8mil either but they will pay him a few mil on a reduced short term contract which is all he would get elsewhere.
GaronT
April 8th, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Whatever else happens…
Make Mixon a Buc
April 8th, 2017 at 2:36 pm
If the teams attitude towards Martin changes based upon his actions for the better, I’m fine with that…As long as his contract is reworked to keep him motivated that is.
April 8th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
There’s 2 teams in our division( saints falcons) who desperately need running back help that would gladly give a fresh Doug Martin a chance. So be careful what you wish for.
April 8th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
I’m feeling Martin stays with the Bucs.
April 8th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Sorry not Falcons Panthers
April 8th, 2017 at 2:40 pm
I highly doubt Martin and his agent would accept a minimum salary contract for any team. He’s worth more than that. He would sign elsewhere before resigning with tampa on the cheap. That being said… it’s pretty much the last chance hotel now and he plays for tampa 2017 season.
April 8th, 2017 at 3:02 pm
No Mixon, no need to bring that in here when there are so many other talented backs available.
April 8th, 2017 at 3:05 pm
MDMA HAMSTER!!!
April 8th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
$1 per yard.
April 8th, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Grass is always greener. A healthy Martin behind an oline that doesn’t get blown back and savaged on every rushing play would go a long way to improved results.
I know that doesn’t fit the agenda here at JoeLichtFan but it’s the truth.
April 8th, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Lol. So Doug comes in looking great and is motivated and looks like the guy who was 2nd in the league in rushing in 2015 – and just before preseason you say here’s the vet min – take it or leave it. Wow Joe – do you get how this business works? If that were to happen the Carolina signs him -since it’s an odd numbered year Martin is back to being one of the best runners in the NFL and gives them 1300 yards in 13 games and leads them to the playoffs. But hey – the Bucs saved a few million and proved a point – right!? Now I don’t know if Doug is going to look great and be healthy and be motivated – but if he is – why in the world would you then cut him? That would be about the dumbest thing anyone could do. If Martin doesn’t look healthy or isn’t motivated – then sure cut him or give a vet min offer and see what happens.
April 8th, 2017 at 4:07 pm
I will bet Doug had No partner in all of this on the team either right? Only one to party. The only one on the team that caught is probably more like it.
April 8th, 2017 at 4:16 pm
I’m glad to see Doug is taking steps to get the help he needs. The problem with this whole situation is that it appears, from reports published, the organization was aware of his struggles and still signed him to a deal! The view that fans have and the view management has is completely different.
I’m rooting for Doug and I hope he does not become Tanard Jackson 2.0. When he is healthy and focused, he has proven to be one of the top 5 running backs in the league. I hope he is committed to demonstrating greatness on and off the field.
April 8th, 2017 at 4:23 pm
Trust. Slow to win, quick to lose. My own struggles bear witness to that simple truth. After pure dint of effort I was able to resurrect myself, lots of meetings, lots. So, like the Glazers I too, believe in second chances. Dougie knows what must happen, and I think it will. Let’s all get off the guy’s back and see what he does. Personally I think he leaves some nasty cleat marks on the chests of opponents charged with stopping him.
Git r done, DM. I’m betting there will be plenty of people jumping on the bandwagon of a re-energized and successful Doug Martin. DM will speak softly and bring a big MF’in stick in 2017.
Go Bucs!!
April 8th, 2017 at 4:38 pm
I bet our opponents would love to have him.
Or perhaps he goes back home to Oakland, and shares a backfield with Marshawn Lynch.
April 8th, 2017 at 4:58 pm
Retaining Martin would give the Bucs even more options in the draft and most likely, be cheaper than $8 million. The thought of drafting “X” RB in the draft at #19 seems riskier. Each are rookies, each have different skill sets, and even past injuries. We KNOW what we have with Doug.
I, for one, would not be upset or surprised to see DM22 in pewter next year. If not, well, so be it. It has to be in the best interest of the franchise.
April 8th, 2017 at 5:34 pm
If Martin does not agree to a more team friendly deal, then cut him. It is that simple.
I have no problem with that and I would like to see him redeem himself this season here in Tampa.
Maybe rework the contract and pay him based on what he produces.
April 8th, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Martin needs to start hangin out with my man easy money Sweezy. Cause Sweez got’em all fooled and still makin big bank from the Bucs for smilin whole wearing a floppy hat and doing absolutely..Nothing!!
April 8th, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Take Martin over Cook…and so will your boy Winston…and played with Cook.
April 8th, 2017 at 7:05 pm
shooter shooting blanks with that one. Fameis views Dalvin like a little brother. Put that pipe down dude, it is not your friend.
April 8th, 2017 at 8:20 pm
Martin’s future hangs on how he comes to OTAs and how well or poorly he does there.
I find it overdramatic to call Martin a lousy teammate though. Countless players and great teammates fail drug tests. Martin getting hooked on a drug is a very common occurance in all human beings. Is kwon Alexander a bad teammate? I dont think so. Poor judgement is made by all people. some just get caught.
Im rooting for Doug to redeem himself. And i hope he does it in pewter and red.
April 8th, 2017 at 9:12 pm
After awhile the Doug Martin hate gets stale. Kwon Alexander let the team down too. Same with Hey Jude…
I’m really hoping the team keeps Doug Martin and gives him the opportunity to make amends. 2015 he was very impressive. He can improve if given the chance IMO.
April 8th, 2017 at 9:26 pm
Martin was never any good in the first place it’s not hate it’s reality. He never scores and not one defensive coordinator fears the Gerbil
April 8th, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Steel is right
April 8th, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Doug is and has been a great back for the Bucs. Injury prone? Yes. 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards, yes. Pro bowler without someone backing out, yes. None of the college backs have taken a snap in the NFL. Draft who you want but keep the players who have proven they belong in the NFL. Who doesn’t make mistakes? He is the best back the Bucs have period. Bring Cook in. Fine. But don’t drop the best back we have to prove a point.
April 8th, 2017 at 10:47 pm
Mark, yes, I’d keep Martin, but not for 7 mill a year. I don’t care who’s money it is, it goes against the salary cap and signing other players. SteelStud, Kwon and Jude don’t have addiction issues like Martin. While different ball game.
April 8th, 2017 at 11:06 pm
Martin runs..Sweezy lays on his back..and collect mils for nothin. Way of the world..or YOUR… world? Jus sayin…. and sayin…Spin’em Sweez..GD’it SPIN’em!!!!!
April 8th, 2017 at 11:20 pm
I like doug. Always have. Dude was second behind AP in yards 2 years ago. Like to see him get back to that. IDK how much is left in his tank? JR filled in good but dont know if he could be a feature back. Good backs available. Hate to pass on one
April 9th, 2017 at 1:23 am
Bring him back. Doug will never let us down again.
April 9th, 2017 at 5:01 am
The Bucs are already WAY AHEAD of where Joe is…and other fans too. I think they already know what they are going to do with Martin. Joe says Martin will be back to work, ready to go, good attitude, yada yada yada. Yes, all true. Joe also says he won’t make it to camp. I don’t agree. The Bucs are going to re-work Martin’s contract and let him compete. They are not going to throw him out and then draft someone who has much worse transgressions, like Joe Mixon. It doesn’t matter that the brough in Mixon to talk. They do that anyway. And I don’t think think they draft Dalvin Cook at RB over a guy like Jabril Peppers if they are both around. They need a Safety. If anything, bring in a RB about Round 3 tops, and if he does well in games early, trade a new-contract-Martin for something, and if Martin is doing great, keep leaning on Martin. Martin is ripe for redemption…let it happen.
April 9th, 2017 at 8:21 am
If the Bucs tear up his contract why would he resign here for some insulting veteran minimum? Guys get popped for drugs in this league, it does occasionally happen. If the Bucs kick him to the curb I don’t see him resigning here.
April 9th, 2017 at 8:48 am
We all know Doug has the potential to be a top 5 back. League minimum is extreme. If I’m Licht I would want to restructure Doug’s contract to be more incentive based. You perform you get paid. Doug is worth 8 million and then some if he returns to 2015 form.
April 9th, 2017 at 9:10 am
Tmax you’re laughable. How can you come out you skull with Martin has never been any good?? He’s been great two seasons and he does score. He’s been inconsistent because of injury. He’s one of the most illusive backs in the league, but of course you don’t realize that running backs don’t do it all by himself right? That they all need people keeping their blocks right and we had one of the worst blocking lines last year. The things you come out with are ridiculous at times! He’s had 2 1400 yd seasons and 2 200+yd games. So how is that not ever being good??? Joe should keep you in moderatation you so some of your silliness won’t make it up here.
April 9th, 2017 at 3:23 pm
On one hand, as Joe says, Martin is going to get his contract torn up and deservedly so. On the other hand, I feel a little bad that the Bucs are going to wait to do this until after the draft (depending on who they take) as he will not only be going into free agency a marked man with a 3-game suspension but with other teams having filled their rosters with free agent and drafted backs.
I understand the move, but feel a little for the guy who’s going to have an even tougher climb to get back up next season.
April 9th, 2017 at 6:18 pm
Draft Mixon in the first, Ingram in the second. Trade Dougie for whatever we can get.