Price Range Being Set

A price range for Doug Martin may finally be being established. Early this morning Profootballtalk.com reported that the Dolphins were working on a deal to retain Lamar Miller and a value was set.

The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins are continuing to work on re-signing Miller, but he wants more than $5 million a season and the team would prefer he settle for $5 million or slightly less.

5 million seems to be the over or under for Miami and Lamar Miller. Given that there were only 7 running backs to rush for over 1000 yards last season and Miller wasn't one of them I doubt the Dolphins will push there price much higher. The value is important though because that sets the bar for where the market value for RBs. Martin deserves to be paid slightly more than Miller as he has had 2, 1000 yard season and coming off his 1400 yard season. The average salary for a starting RB in the NFL is around 4 million, no doubt Martin will garner more than that but the value may not be as high as media is portraying. Hopefully Martin sees a number he likes soon and signs his name on the dotted line so that Jason Licht and the Bucs can continue to search for other pieces to add to this core group of players.

Free Agency Frenzy: Running Back

With free agency being a week away, I want to take a in depth look at each position where I will provide my top 5 players that best fit our Buccaneers team. I'm going to start with running back as I don't feel its necessary to do the QB position with the team having Jameis Winston. Here is my top 5 running backs that the Bucs should have interest in.

1. Doug Martin, 27  5'11 223 1,402 yds 4.9 avg 6 tds

Martin had a terrific season last year and was easily the most consistent and best player last year for the Bucs. Martin is a great fit in Koetters offense and should only grow as a player with a more firmer grasp of it in year 2. Martin is looking for the big money, as he is already 27 and running backs start to deteriorate after 30. The Bucs and Martin have mutual interest.

2. Chris Ivory, 27  6'0 222 1,070 yds 4.1 avg 7 tds

Ivory is a power runner who has immense strength and can just run over defenders with ease at times. He would mesh well with Charles Sims who is more flash and speed, providing a good running duo for the Bucs. Ivory should be pretty good value and shouldn't command more than 5 million a year.

3. Lamar Miller, 25  5'10 225 872 yds 4.5 avg  8 tds

Miller is a eletric runner, has breakaway speed in the open field, and can catch the ball as well. Him and Sims would be dynamic duo which would make the offense more diverse. Miller has a nose for the endzone having 16 tds over the past two years. With the Dolphins, some have said he should be used more, if he comes to Tampa, he will definitely be featured more. Miller will be higher in salary due to his age, but he is dynamic making it worth it.

4. Chris Johnson, 30  5'11 203  814 yds 4.2 avg 3 tds

Johnson is similar to Miller, he has pure speed and get to the edge in a hurry. If the Bucs went this route, then they clearly have their eyes set on the loaded 2017 draft class at running back. Johnson could be signed to a cheap 1 to 2 year deal, and help carry the load with Charles Sims.

5. Matt Forte, 30  6'2 218  898 yds 4.1 avg 4 tds

Forte would be a interesting pick up, the guy is still a really good player. I wouldn't mind the Bucs picking him up for the short term, and then draft a running back in next years draft.

It will be interesting to see what direction the Bucs go at the running back position. I think the first option is still very likely.

Lamar Miller Buzz

The longer the Doug Martin waits to sign back or test free agency the more rumors and buzz come out about other running backs that the bucs may be interested in. Latest name to pop up is Lamar Miller of the Miami Dolphins. Miller is 5'10 225 yet doesn't look it, as he has a slender frame. Yes, Miller is quick and can catch the ball out of the backfield but we have that already with Charles Sims.

The best quality of Miller is his age as he is still only 24 and has been pretty much injury free his entire 4 year career. He topped the thousand yard mark once in 2014 and has been just par ever since. It could have been from sub-par O-line play but is Lamar Miller really an answer to go to if Doug Martin does choose to test free agency?

If Martin does decide to leave and though I doubt he does, I would suggest the Bucs stay true to the guy they drafted and give Sims his shot. Sims totaled over a thousand yards rushing and receiving last year and looks as if he will only grow more in new head coach Dirk Koetter's offense. Running back is no longer a highly coveted position now a days and highly skilled backs are falling farther and farther in the draft as Lamar Miller himself was a 4th round selection. The rumors will continue to fly in as long as Martin is still in limbo with his decision. As far as Miller is concerned, I would shy away.