Oakland Raiders: Doug Martin playing for a roster spot in 2019
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden wants to retain running back Doug Martin. Does the 29-year old tailback have a real shot to remain with the team?
Apparently, running back Doug Martin has done enough to warrant consideration for a new deal with the Oakland Raiders.
Head coach Jon Gruden expressed interest in re-signing the 29-year old ball-carrier in the offseason, per NBCS Bay Area reporter Scott Bair. “Hopefully we can keep him around here,” Gruden said. “He’s a heck of a football player.”
Gruden talked about Martin’s versatility—picking up blitzes, running and catching the football out of the backfield. Since Week 8, he’s logged 60 carries for 285 yards and a touchdown. As the featured ball-carrier since Marshawn Lynch went down with a groin issue, Martin has experienced somewhat of a resurgence in Oakland.
Frankly, it could be his final shot at handling at significant workload. He’ll turn 30 years old in January. With the inconsistencies and suspensions through his seven-year run, teams may hesitate to give him a large role after this term.
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At least for now, Martin has a chance to seal a future with the Raiders. Typically, Gruden has shown a soft spot for older running backs, who can perform a multitude of tasks. Charlie Garner logged at least 939 yards from scrimmage in three consecutive terms under the Raiders head coach between 29-31-years old. He suffered a severe knee injury that essentially ended his career in 2004.
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, between the ages 27-29, Michael Pittman handled a significant load in Gruden’s backfield, recording at least 1,195 yards in each of those campaigns.
Looking at those examples, there’s hope for Martin as a key cog in Oakland’s offense. As a ball-carrier who’s run the ball for 1,400-plus yards in two separate seasons, it’s unwise to count him out of future plans.
However, the Raiders still have Chris Warren III, who led the league in rushing yards during the preseason, on injured reserve, and DeAndre Washington still on the books beyond this year. Jalen Richard will become a restricted free agent. Gruden compared him to Garner, per Vic Tafur of the Athletic:
Gruden said @RocketRich30 reminds him of Charlie Garner. "He might be the MVP of this team. ... He could run for 1,000 yards and catch for 1,000 yards someday. He is tough, hard to tackle. And he can line up in the slot or outside." #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) November 19, 2018
It’s an indication the undrafted product out of Southern Mississippi could return on a new deal.
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Finally, the Raiders have stockpiled 10 draft picks. It’s possible Gruden acquires a rookie talent in April. It’s not a star-studded class, but if Myles Gaskin, Rodney Anderson and Elijah Holyfield fall in the 75-110 overall pick range, they’ll hold tremendous value as high-upside third-to-fourth round choices.
As for now, Martin will face four run defenses that currently rank 24th or worse. He doesn’t have a shot at 1,000 yards this season, but he could solidify a spot on the roster in 2019 with a strong finish.