The Buccaneers released Martin on Tuesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Martin looked like he might be the Buccaneers' long-term solution in the backfield after amassing 1,673 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 2015, netting him a five-year, $35.75 million contract extension the following spring. However, the 2012 first-round pick regressed badly thereafter, averaging less than three yards per carry in both of the past two seasons while missing time due to injury and an untimely four-game suspension, which delayed the start to his 2017 campaign. In cutting lose Martin, the Buccaneers will save $6.75 million against the cap in 2018 while absorbing no dead money. Martin's departure currently leaves Peyton Barber as the top candidate to start at running back in 2018, though there's a decent possibility the Buccaneers address the position through the draft or free agency in the coming months.