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SportsLine Oddsmakers Release Lines On Likely Landing Spots For Running Back Doug Martin

After six seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut ties with the bruising rusher. Here's a breakdown of some of his most probable destinations.

ByPublished: Feb 21, 2018 10:55PM UTC . 4 min read

Less than three years removed from a 1,402-yard 2015 campaign, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut ties with running back Doug Martin. The two-time Pro Bowler has amassed over 4,600 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns in his career; and at 29, presumably has plenty of gas left in the tank.

SportsLine oddsmakers have set odds as to where free agent Martin could land in 2018.

Detroit Lions:                  3/1

Seattle Seahawks:          4/1

San Francisco 49ers:      5/1

New England Patriots:    8/1

Green Bay Packers:      10/1

Oakland Raiders:          10/1

Miami Dolphins:            12/1

Field:                                5/1 

The Detroit Lions need an extreme makeover in their backfield. They finished dead last in rushing in 2017 with 76 yards a game. Neither Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick could crack 3.5 yards a carry. Despite averaging less than four first downs a game on the ground, Detroit finished 9-7. With its decent receiving corps and stellar quarterback, the Lions could be an offensive juggernaut with a solid running game. They'll need to upgrade to compete against the Vikings and Packers, and Detroit would appear be the perfect spot for Martin to make a fresh start.

Other than quarterback Russell Wilson, who led the team in rushing, no Seattle Seahawk ran for more than 250 yards last season. Seattle would be wise to draft a running back for the future, notably Sony Michel out of Georgia, who's a grinder from the same mold as ex-Seahawk Marshawn Lynch. But a veteran running back, such as Martin, probably gets the Seahawks into the postseason next year. There's plenty of value here at 4/1.

While Jimmy Garoppolo gets most of the praise for the 49ers' season-ending, five-game winning streak, Carlos Hyde was an integral factor as well. In the finale against the Rams, Hyde rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Because the Niners trailed so often during their 1-10 start, Hyde was usually a non-factor when the team was forced to play catch-up by passing more than 40 times a game. Behind a more balanced offense, free agent Hyde has the chance to shine with a rising team. But expect San Fran to re-sign the slippery back.

Bill Belichick has always been fickle when it comes to running backs. After riding LeGarrette Blount to a fifth title, the coach thought he was expendable and made do with Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee. The running game always seems to be an afterthought in Foxborough, and Belichick probably feels the team has bigger needs than rusher. Still, he's always interested in established veterans with a proven track record.

In Green Bay, there are plenty of backfield options, including Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery. Recent injuries have stymied Montgomery's career, and the Packers don't seem sold on Williams and Jones. Just how well Martin would fit in with the Packers' scheme is debatable. Aaron Rodgers loves to set up screens, but Williams isn't much of a pass-catching threat.

While Lynch was surprisingly sturdy in Oakland, playing 15 games in 2017, there's not much running back depth with the Raiders. Martin, who was born in Oaktown, might appreciate playing for a postseason contender that's been beset by injuries. Strong value here at 10/1.

The Dolphins traded Jay Ajayi midseason and got plenty of production from Kenyan Drake, who racked up 644 yards on an impressive 4.8 yards per tote. But there's little depth at this position. Damien Williams gained 181 yards and the next leading rusher was Jay Cutler with 32. Miami needs bodies, but I'm not sure Martin could wrest the starting gig from Drake nor would he be content playing backup.

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