The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to have Doug Martin as the lead back for Jameis Winston over Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey in 2015 and this comes as the Bucs could consider a trade with Mike Glennon, as he is getting towards end of his contract and does not have a future with TB.
The Bucs had the number one overall pick in the draft this year and they took Winston and they have wasted no time in getting behind him. Head coach Lovie Smith named Winston the starting quarterback heading into training camp and while it was not a surprise, it puts pressure on the number one overall pick to perform. Mike Glennon is on the roster along with Seth Lobato and if Winston plays well right away, the Bucs could consider a trade with Glennon.
The Buccaneers are expecting the offense to be more consistent this season with Winston and Smith is pushing Doug Martin to be the lead back once again. Martin had a great rookie season, but after dealing with injuries the last two years, the running back is ready to rebound. According to the Tampa Tribune, Martin had his "best offseason in three years" and he may be fully healthy for the first time since his rookie season. Smith said to the Tampa Bay Times that Martin will come into camp as the number one back and he will be in ahead of Sims and Rainey, who both played well at times last season.
Martin comes in after playing in 11 games last season and just six in 2013 and now he is hoping to stay on the field for all 16 games. Martin had 494 yards rushing last season and just 13 catches for 64 yards and those numbers were a big drop-off from his rookie year. Martin showed some great promise while rushing for 1454 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 games and he also showed his versatility with 49 receptions for 472 yards and one TD catch.
Smith said the running game would be "key" this season and that means Martin could get some heavy work early on. Winston is considered to be "NFL ready" by most scouts, but all rookies need to make adjustments and he could take time to get used to the pro speed of things. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Buccaneers are prepared for Winston to deal with "growing pains" and that they expect him to be "ready" for Week 1. Stroud observed camp and wrote that Winston had three interceptions in a stretch of five passes in an early practice.
Glennon is signed through 2016, but his salary is low for this season and next year and that could make him a trade target for teams. The Bucs did not get much attention at the draft for Glennon, but he would not be the worst option for teams to target if they need a QB. Glennon has had experience starting for the Bucs and he has a very strong arm that can get the ball down the field.
Check here for more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp or for more on Jameis Winston and Doug Martin.
