NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Strongly Consider Trading Doug Martin

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By @K_Momberg

Doug Martin Buccaneers

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going nowhere fast this season. At 1-5, they are currently last in the NFC South. With Tuesday’s trade deadline fast approaching, it seems like an ideal time for the team to unload a couple of veteran players as they continue to build for the future under head coach Lovie Smith.

One player in particular the Buccaneers should look to deal is running back Doug Martin. The 2012 first-round pick burst onto the scene as a rookie, rushing for a franchise rookie record 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, and being named to the Pro Bowl following the season. However, Martin has been a huge disappointment in the two years that have followed.

Since the start of last season, Martin has rushed for just 595 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games. Injuries and a new offensive have left the third-year runner looking like a shell of his former self.

Other than his apparent diminishing ability, further working against Martin is that unlike his rookie season, when he looked like a future star, the team can now afford to move on. Veteran backup Bobby Rainey has proven to be a more than capable replacement when Martin has missed time with injuries in the past. The Buccaneers also love the potential of rookie Charles Sims. The second-round pick is eligible to return from his injury in Week 9.

None of this is to say the Buccaneers are actively shopping Martin. In fact, when it comes down to it, most teams are not going to give up much for a slow, plodding running back these days anyway (unless that team is the Indianapolis Colts), but if a team were to come along and offer the Buccaneers a mid-round pick for Martin, they should jump at the chance.

A trade could be in Martin’s best interest as well. At just 25 years old, he is still young, and with just 494 career carries, he should still have plenty of tread on the tires. A fresh start elsewhere could be just what Martin needs to revitalize his once promising career.

K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.

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