Tampa Bay Buccaneers release running back Doug Martin and defensive tackle Chris Baker
Wednesday 21 February 2018 08:15, UK
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released two-time Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin and veteran defensive tackle Chris Baker.
Martin spent six seasons with the team but he had only 827 total rushing yards over the past two seasons.
That came after a 1,402-yard season in 2015 that led to a five-year deal worth $35.75m. Martin made $15m in guarantees. Tampa Bay saved $6.75m against their cap by cutting Martin.
Martin turned 29 on January 13 but has relatively low miles for the position at his age - 1,150 total carries. By comparison, 29-year-old Bills running back LeSean McCoy has 2,185 career carries plus 441 receptions.
Peyton Barber finished 2017 as the starting running back for the Buccaneers, but head coach Dirk Koetter said last month the position is one the team will be "looking at" this offseason.
Releasing Baker will save $4.875m against the 2018 salary cap, who would have been guaranteed $3m on the fifth day of the league year next month.
Baker spent the bulk of his career in six seasons with the Washington Redskins (2011-16) after playing in one game each with the Denver Broncos in 2009 and Miami Dolphins in 2010. He signed a three-year, $15.75m contract - $6m guaranteed - with the Bucs last offseason.
Baker, 30, was signed to add depth to a defensive line anchored by 3-technique Gerald McCoy. He had 30 tackles in 15 games in 2017.
