Doug Martin's Contract Option Not Exercised by Bucs: Latest Details and Reaction

When Doug Martin rushed for 386 yards in a two-week span during his rookie season, it appeared the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first-round pick in 2012 was well spent. Two nondescript campaigns later, however, the Bucs appear ready to move on.  

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported Monday the team has decided not to pick up Martin's fifth-year option, though the runner still has this upcoming season remaining with the Buccaneers.

The deadline for picking up those options was May 3, so it's likely the Buccaneers informed Martin at some point over the weekend. Tampa Bay would have been on the hook for $5.621 million in 2016, per Joel Corry of CBS Sports.

The news comes as little surprise to anyone, given Martin's play over the last two seasons. After rushing for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie, including a 251-yard outburst against the Oakland Raiders, Martin failed to compile 1,000 yards in 2013 and 2014 combined. He appeared in just 17 of a possible 32 games, dealing with a shoulder injury in 2013 and a host of ailments last season.

Stroud noted Martin's overall downturn in play:

PewterReport.com quickly weighed in and suggested Martin may not even be with the team this season:

The Buccaneers did not select a true tailback in last weekend's NFL draft, but they have second-year runner Charles Sims and Bobby Rainey on the depth chart to compete with Martin. The team will undoubtedly look to have a strong running game to help first overall pick Jameis Winston make his NFL transition, so expect a fierce competition.

With the Bucs' refusal to pick up his option, Martin will not only be competing for a starting job but possibly his NFL future.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.