Get ready, America: Doug Martin is going to market.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed Monday that the fifth-year running back is already generating interest during the league's legal tampering period.
Rapoport was told that Martin has "at least six teams" inquiring about his services, but Tampa Bay -- the team that drafted him in 2012 -- remains "intent" on bringing him back.
The Bucs, though, made this process tricky by refusing to slap the franchise tag on their workhorse back, leading to whispers that Martin could earn up to $8 million annually in a deal similar to what DeMarco Murray signed with the Eagles last March.
Martin, 27, sizzled last season with 1,402 yards on the ground, second to only Adrian Peterson among all NFL rushers. His history of injuries will serve as a factor in any contract he signs, but Martin's value to Tampa Bay was at peak level in 2015.
With young Jameis Winston under center, Martin and Charles Sims formed arguably the league's top backfield combination, with Martin slashing people on the ground and Sims operating as a pass-catching whirlwind. Coach Dirk Koetter went out of his way to prop up Martin last offseason -- when Martin was a cut candidate -- so look for Tampa to stay in the race for his services.
Among a rich crop of free-agent runners, Martin sits atop the list. One way or another, he's about to make bank.
