Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins: 1 free agent to avoid at every position in 2019 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09: Vinny Curry #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to fans after a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09: Vinny Curry #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to fans after a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 13
Next
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Running Back: Doug Martin, Oakland Raiders

I actually had Doug Martin listed as the running back to avoid when I did this last year. While Martin isn’t quite as bad as he was last season, the Redskins still shouldn’t pursue him for a variety of reasons.

While Martin is coming off a solid year for the Raiders, in which he averaged 4.2 yards per carry, he has struggled badly with consistency during his career. In fact, prior to last season, he had only ever run for at least 1,400 yards in a season or less than 500. His inconsistency was truly remarkable.

Martin also turned 30 in January, and he could begin to decline at any time. Some backs are able to stave off the effects of age into their 30s, but Martin could have a difficult time considering his history of failing to live up to expectations.

More from Riggo's Rag

Additionally, the Redskins have better options for their backup position in house. Assuming that Derrius Guice is the starter, the team could elect to bring back Adrian Peterson on a near-minimum deal to serve as the top backup. He’s far superior to Martin at this point, and Peterson also knows the system.

If Peterson were to go somewhere else, the team could consider another free agent running back like Latavius Murray. Or, they could give Samaje Perine a chance to prove his worth in tandem with Guice. Or, they could invest a late-round draft pick in a potential backup. There are so many options that make more sense than targeting Martin given the limited upside that he would provide the team.

Martin will certainly find a home after a decent season, but it shouldn’t be with the Redskins. They need to use their cap space on other needs and can’t afford to spend money on a guy like Martin.

Home/Commanders Free Agency