Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lovie Smith says retaining Doug Martin is 'definitely' a priority
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lovie Smith says retaining Doug Martin is 'definitely' a priority

Published Nov. 24, 2015 8:58 p.m. ET

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose not to pick up the option on Doug Martin for 2016, it meant that Martin had plenty to play for in 2015.

Well, it's safe to say that he's earning a new payday when this season comes to a close. Through 10 games, Martin has rushed for 941 yards, has 188 receiving yards and has scored four total touchdowns.

So, what's next for the Buccaneers and their current No. 1 running back? As Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune reports, head coach Lovie Smith called it a priority to keep Martin in town.

“Is Doug Martin a priority? I can say that, yeah, he definitely is,’’ Smith told The Tampa Tribune Monday, one day after Martin ran for 235 yards during the 45-17 victory over the Eagles. “I don’t think Doug came into the season thinking he wasn’t wanted around here. It’s the complete opposite of that.

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“And we have put him in a position to have the type of year he’s having right now. So, I think it’s all good. If I’m Doug Martin, I’m pretty happy I didn’t sign a contract before and I like the position I’m in right now.’’

Well, there you have it. The Buccaneers have every intention of bringing back Martin, and as Smith points out, the running back has to be feeling pretty good about his situation moving forward.

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