Buccaneers release Doug Martin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released two-time Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin after six seasons, the team announced.

The move saves the Bucs $6.75 million in cap space and adds another intriguing name to the free-agent running back pool.

The former first-round pick had three years remaining on his contract, but due to a 2016 suspension for a performance-enhancing drug violation that also sidelined him for the first three games of the 2017 campaign, the remaining guaranteed money was voided.

Aside from his off-field issues, the 29-year-old has struggled to consistently perform on the field. He has four seasons in which he failed to rush for more than 500 yards and two in which he exceeded 1,400 rushing yards. His inability to be a reliable featured back, coupled with his big cap savings, made his release a no-brainer for Tampa Bay.

The Bucs will likely now look to add a starting running back to pair with Jameis Winston in the backfield, either through free agency or high in the draft.