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Bucs notes: Keeping hot RB Martin off free-agent market a priority

The Bucs had a $4.3-million decision to make regarding RB Doug Martin last offseason, and at the time it was an easy one.

After watching Martin struggle through two difficult seasons, the Bucs opted not to pick up the $5.6-million, fifth-year option on his contract, leaving him with a $1.3 million salary for the 2015 season. But the move also allows Martin to become a free agent after this year.

And that’s where it now gets dicey.

Martin has quickly become one of the game’s most attractive free-agent possibilities. The second ranked rusher in the league with 941 yards on 188 carries (5.