Most Realistic Landing Sports For Jonathan Martin

By Matt Hamilton on Monday, March 10th 2014
Most Realistic Landing Sports For Jonathan Martin

We all know about the Jonathan Martin/Richie Incognito saga that played out during the 2013 season. Was Martin exaggerating the truth to make Incognito look worse? Or was Incognito really the bigot that Martin made him out to be?

I guess we’ll never know. However, the situation landed Martin on trading block and Incognito in rehab. Since Incognito won’t be playing football for a while, let’s look at the potential teams that could use Martin, a former second round pick out of Stanford.

Indianapolis Colts

This is one destination that I could legitimately see Martin going to soon and having success in immediately. The Colts are a quality team with a stable coach and front office. Not to mention, Martin would most likely be welcomed in the locker room.

With former Stanford teammates Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener, Delano Howell and Griff Whalen in the fold, Martin would have familiar friends in his corner. In Miami, there would be tensions among team members who liked Incognito. In Indianapolis, Luck is the leader and would not allow the same type of harassment on his team.

However, if we look at the opportunity in terms of what the Colts need, it doesn’t make as much sense. The Colts have two established tackles, Anthony Castonzo and Gosder Cherilus, so the need for another tackle like Martin is not high. If the Colts had to pay him any more money than a backup tackle, they could be hesitant.

Still, if Martin wants to play football this year, Indianapolis is one of his best bets. But if he wants to be a starter, he should probably look elsewhere.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Just up north in Florida is a team that has a desperate need for offensive tackles. The depth chart in Tampa shows only two offensive tackles for two spots. Yes, Lovie Smith and company will want to draft at least one player to fill that role, but Martin could satisfy the other.

At left tackle, the Buccaneers have Donald Penn, who is 30 and only has a handful of years remaining in his career. Martin is only 24, so the upside compared to Penn is clear. Add in new head coach Lovie Smith, and Martin might have a stable environment in Tampa.

The Buccaneers could always use help blocking for second-year quarterback Mike Glennon and running back Doug Martin, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they pursued Martin.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals will be big players in the offensive tackle market, as their best tackle Eric Winston will be a free agent. Without a consistent tackle on the roster, the Cardinals will need depth, whether for backup or starter positions.

A team that nearly made the playoffs in 2013, Arizona is only a few pieces away from breaking through. I expect Arizona to look extensively for a quality tackle. Martin is that, strong, aggressive and willing to hit anyone at anytime.

Plus, Head Coach Bruce Arians is a strong-minded man, who would never let Martin go through what he did in Miami.

Miami Dolphins

It’s certainly a long shot that Martin would rejoin the team that gave him so much stress. However, if Head Coach Joe Philbin and his staff can convince him all the hate is gone, maybe, just maybe he’ll want to come back. However, Martin has made it clear that, right now, it’s not an option. I’m not as certain.

Think about it; the Dolphins lost two very important pieces to their offensive line last season in Martin and Incognito. Yes, Martin turned the whole locker room upside down when he accused Incognito of bullying, but if the Dolphins could at least save one of the linemen, I think they’d do it.

 

 

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