Doug Martin went from being one of the most promising running backs in the NFL to almost out of the league. After a breakout rookie year in 2012, he struggled with injuries and off-field issues and didn’t record another 1,000 rushing yards season until 2015. People thought he was back to his rookie form heading into 2016 but back-to-back disappointing seasons seemingly forced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to cut him.
Wasting little time, the Oakland Raiders swooped in and signed the former Bucs back to pair him with a former Bucs head coach in John Gruden and potentially share the backfield carries with Marshawn Lynch.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the agreement.
It’s a 1-year deal for Martin and the #Raiders. Ever since Jon Gruden visited with him a few weeks ago and came away impressed, it seemed like this was going to happen. https://t.co/mjm7rlIQXb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
The team also officially announced the two sides agreed to terms.
The Raiders have signed RB Doug Martin.
More: https://t.co/xgaMpLa5iJ pic.twitter.com/O1WyPxvFEe
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) March 15, 2018
Martin joins Jordy Nelson as the other big offensive signing for Oakland this offseason.
Martin was named to the Pro Bowl twice in his career and also awarded the honors of the All-Pro team once in his six seasons in the league. Oddly enough, Martin set the NFL record for most touchdowns in a half back in 2012 playing against the Raiders. Hopefully Oakland can capture a little bit of that magic next season.
