The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 1-6 and destined to miss the playoffs in the first year under new head coach Lovie Smith. While the Bucs are underwhelming, they do have some interesting pieces that contenders could be interested in. They are apparently open for business with Doug Martin and Mark Barron both on the market, according to Rick Stroud.
Doug Martin, Mark Barron trade rumors picking up ahead of NFL deadline
Tampa Bay is in the midst of a pathetic season and considering multiple options at the trade deadline.
Gregory Shamus
The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
There has been ample talk about receiver Vincent Jackson being on the block, although nothing has happened yet. Martin and Barron have been mentioned, but have flown under the radar comparatively. Martin has played second-fiddle to Bobby Rainey and struggled badly, rushing for a paltry 2.9 yards per carry. Martin rushed for 1,454 yards as a rookie in 2012 but has only played in 11 games since, gaining 622 yards.
NFL Trade Deadline
Why this makes sense
Martin is a buy-low player for a team desperate for a running back. The Buccaneers are going nowhere and have a running back in Rainey, so why not attain a draft pick to help speed up the rebuilding process? Martin could go to a team like the New England Patriots or San Diego Chargers and help out immediately, likely at a low cost. Martin is also cheap, coming in at approximately $1 million the rest of this season and $2.1 million in 2015.
Barron is more expensive at around $2 million for the this year and $4.6 million next season, but is still an affordable option. The former Alabama star is second on the team in tackles with 49 and is only 25 years old. Barron could fit in nicely with a team looking to shore up its secondary, perhaps the Indianapolis Colts or Detroit Lions.
Why this doesn’t make sense
The NFL trade deadline is usually quiet, because mutually beneficial deals are hard to come by. Most NFL teams treat draft picks like gold and are historically unwilling to part with them to acquire a player.
Really, it all depends on what the Buccaneers’ asking price is. If Barron and Martin are available for a later-round pick, both could be moved. However, if Tampa Bay sees their values around the mid-rounds, teams are likely to balk at Martin’s lack of production and Barron’s lack of game-changing plays.
Chances of it happening (1-10): 3
Trades are simply a rarity in the NFL. If any team does make moves, Tampa Bay seems the best bet with quality players and a horrible record.
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