NFL Trade Deadline: RB Doug Martin to Be Dealt, Trent Richardson Curse Looms

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin may be in play. On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Buccaneers have been fielding trade calls on the disappointing third-year rusher:

The speculation around a Doug Martin trade has led to some potential trade partners surfacing. The New England Patriots are chief among the teams that may want to acquire depth at the running back position. The Denver Broncos could make sense as well, particularly with Montee Ball out of the lineup.

At the likely cost of a mid-round pick, it's easy to see why a team in need might acquire the running back as insurance.

But even at a reasonable price, teams should beware the curse of Trent Richardson.

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Last season, the Cleveland Browns fleeced the Indianapolis Colts, stealing a first-round pick in return for faltering running back Trent Richardson. 

After T-Rich moved to Indy, he averaged an atrocious 2.9 yards per carry (YPC), finding himself out of the running back rotation for the Colts before Christmas. Though Richardson is up to 3.5 YPC this season, his efficiency is lacking, and his proclivity for injury continues to dog his play.

You have to believe the Colts would reverse that cursed deal in a heartbeat.

So, for those teams that may be interested in acquiring the oddly similar Doug Martin at the NFL trade deadline this week, be wary. Though the Muscle Hamster seems poised for better offensive production, T-Rich shows just how easily young star running backs can fall from grace.

What do you think, Bucs fans? Are you happy to imagine Doug Martin out of Tampa Bay, or do you think he could still be a useful player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?