NFL Notebook: Buccaneers release RB Martin

[February 21, 2018]  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday released veteran running back Doug Martin.

Martin, 29, spent six seasons with the Buccaneers but struggled in 2017, rushing for 407 yards on 2.9 yards per carry in 11 games. In the final weeks of the regular season, Martin was benched in favor of running back Peyton Barber.

Martin was second in the NFL in rushing in 2015, and signed a five-year deal worth $35.75 million prior to the 2016 season. The move will reportedly save the Buccanneers nearly $7 million in 2018.

The Buccaneers also released defensive tackle Chris Baker, who spent one season with the team after six with the Redskins.

--Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers coach Mike Groh will be promoted to offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Groh replaces Frank Reich, who was hired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. The Eagles also reportedly interviewed running backs coach Duce Staley for the offensive coordinator position before ultimately deciding to promote Groh. Staley's job title was changed to assistant head coach, according to a report from ESPN's Josina Anderson.

--The Houston Texans officially cut veteran linebacker Brian Cushing, reportedly saving the team $7.64 million under the salary cap by making the move before the start of the new league year on March 14.

Cushing, 31, spent his first nine seasons with the Texans after they selected him No. 15 overall in the 2009 draft. Cushing was the franchise's all-time leading tackler with 664 tackles, 13 1/2 sacks and eight interceptions in 104 games.

--The Jacksonville Jaguars are picking up the 2018 option on tight end Marcedes Lewis.

Lewis, 33, is entering his 13th season with the Jaguars after he was selected 28th overall in the 2008 draft. He caught 24 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns while starting all 16 regular-season games in 2017.

 

--The Tennessee Titans agreed to a five-year contract with kicker Ryan Succop.

The deal is worth $20 million with $7.5 million guaranteed, according to the NFL Network.

--The Chicago Bears released linebacker Jerrell Freeman, following two violations of the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Freeman, 31, was suspended for 10 games in 2017 for his second violation. He was also suspended four games in 2016 for his first offense. He played in just one game last season after tearing a pectoral muscle in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

--The Eagles have applied paperwork with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for official trademark rights to the phrase "Philly Special," according to a report from ESPN.

The Eagles are hoping to earn an exclusive trademark on the name of the trick play that culminated with quarterback Nick Foles catching a key touchdown pass at the end of the first half of the Eagles' 41-33 win in Super Bowl LII.

-- The Chicago Bears opted to decline Josh Sitton's $8 million option for the 2018 season, sending the veteran offensive guard into free agency.

Sitton spent two seasons with the Bears after playing for the Green Bay Packers from 2008-2015.

--Field Level Media

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