Bucs decline fifth-year option on Doug Martin's contract

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Buccaneers have declined to pick up the fifth-year option on running back Doug Martin's contract.

Martin, 26, now can become an unrestricted free agent in 2016.

Martin, a first-round pick in 2012, rushed for 1,454 yards as a rookie, but he has been limited by injuries the past two seasons. He had1,926 yards from scrimmage in 2012, the most by a rookie since Edgerrin James had 2,139 in 1999, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

The Buccaneers drafted Charles Sims in the third round last year, and he could share carries with Martin this season.

In 11 games last season, Martin carried 134 times for 494 yards (a 3.7-yard average) and two touchdowns.