The New England Patriots are searching NFL rosters for backfield help and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are fielding offers for running back Doug Martin, making for an intriguing possible marriage of supply and demand, according to Doug Kyed of NESN.com.
The Patriots have begun scouring the NFL landscape for a running back to bolster their backfield for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs, NBC Sports' ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio reported.
While many assumed the Patriots would be looking to upgrade their wide receiver position (Kyed also notes that they're among a handful of teams that have expressed interest in the Buccaneers' Vincent Jackson) the loss of Stevan Ridely earlier in the year to a torn ACL coupled with the inconsistent play of Shane Vereen as his replacement has the team focused on finding another ball-carrier.
Today, NFL Insider Adam Schefter tweeted that, "while WR Vincent Jackson's name has been focus of trade speculation, the Buccaneer more likely to be dealt is RB Doug Martin. Teams calling."
Martin is a hard-nosed, versatile runner playing on a poorly constructed, talentless team who would instantly upgrade the Patriots backfield - assuming he's healthy - and no doubt love the opportunity to play for a contender.
New England's needs mixed with the interest in Martin make for a very interesting possible trade scenario and one to keep an eye on as the Tuesday NFL trade deadline fast approaches.