Washington Redskins should stay away from RB Doug Martin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released veteran RB Doug Martin. Here’s why the Washington Redskins shouldn’t even think about signing him.

I’ll always be thankful for Doug Martin getting me 50+ fantasy points one week back in 2012. I think I went 3-10 in that season, but Doug did work for my squad.

Nostalgia aside, Doug Martin hasn’t been 2012 Doug Martin since… well, 2012. That was his best year, and since then, he’s only eclipsed 500 yards once. That is likely just one of several reasons that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut the running back earlier today. Per Mike Garafolo, the veteran is out of his most recent gig. And he’s looking for a job.

Bucs have released RB Doug Martin, as @NFLSTROUD said. Give Martin credit for his comeback to stick in Tampa last year. Now looking for a new team.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 20, 2018

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Doug Martin is a running back. A ‘starting’ running back. The Washington Redskins need a starting running back. Bingo. Match made in heaven, right?

On the contrary. Martin will be overpaid by somebody this offseason, and the Washington Redskins can’t afford to fall for the bait. The former Boise State Bronco is nearing the age of 30 years old, and all throughout his career, he’s had troubling injury issues.

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These injury issues derailed his chances of building a resume as a reliable starter, and now that he’s nearing the traditional end of the running back shelf life, the risk will only increase. Martin has always been overrated because of his stellar rookie season. This lingering glamor should not cloud one’s judgement.

The fact that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him so early suggests that they didn’t want him anyway. It’s telling enough that his current team wasn’t willing to give him one last chance. Couple that with the historical evidence that Martin is far past his prime, and the issues with a potential Martin deal only increase in number.

For the Washington Redskins, Doug Martin would offer experience and little else. At this stage in his career, he is no better than Robert Kelley, and he will cost at least twice as much. The Washington Redskins have a number of other needs to address, and there are far better options that await at the start of the free agency period.

Next: Redskins RB Samaje Perine best suited as backup

Please, put down the checkbook. Close the ballpoint pen. Doug Martin is not the answer. And if the Washington Redskins sign him, he’ll just be another problem.

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