RB Martin heading toward free agency
INDIANAPOLIS — A few weeks ago, it was clear the Bucs believed running back Doug Martin would make it to free agency.
The silence that followed the meeting between Martin’s agent and general manager Jason Licht last week did nothing to change that perception and at this point it would be a surprise if a deal is reached before the legal tampering period March 7-8 when teams can negotiate but not announce contract agreements.
No deal was expected at the NFL Scouting Combine, and there’s too much time left before the start of free agency March 9 for either side to stop posturing. The franchise tag, which would guarantee a one-year deal at $11.789 million, is not an option.
Losing last season’s second-leading rusher (1402 yards behind Adrian Peterson’s1485) would be a big blow to the Bucs, who would have to address the position in free agency or the draft. That’s because they see third-year pro Charles Sims as a change-of-pace back and not a premier ballcarrier. He finished with 529 rushing yards and 569 receiving yards last season.
“We think he can carry the ball,” Licht said. “We think he’s more valuable in the passing game.”
As for the defense, among the reasons speculated for coach Lovie Smith’s firing — other than his 8-24 record — was the dissatisfaction with his assistants, particularly defensive backs coaches Gill Byrd, Larry Marmie and Mikal Smith, Lovie’s son.
Also, both original coordinators, Jeff Tedford and Leslie Frazier, had their play-calling duties removed.
But new coach Dirk Koetter retained nearly the entire offensive staff, adding receivers coach and offensive coordinator Todd Monken and special-teams coach Nate Kaczor.
The biggest changes came on defense, where former Falcons coach Mike Smith takes over as coordinator.
“I can sit here and tell you how great of a staff we put together, but that’s going to be judged by other people, and that’s going to play out over time,” Koetter said. “But to be able to get a Mike Smith on defense, Nate Kaczor on special teams, that was one of the huge keys. … I mean, we’ve got a really good staff.”