The San Francisco 49ers could be looking into adding star running back Doug Martin in free agency, as they currently have $55 million in cap space. The current backs on the 49er's roster are Carlos Hyde, Kendall Gaskins, DuJuan Harris, and free agents Reggie Bush and Shaun Draughn. This is hardly the dream team of running backs the 49ers hoped for after letting Frank Gore jump ship to the Indianapolis Colts.
The 49ers need to reestablish their power running identity if they hope to return to a competitive state. The only way they can do this is by drafting or picking up a quality free agent running back, ideally the best one available. San Francisco has a lot of holes to fill in the 2016 NFL Draft, and picking up a free agent running back might be the best course of action.
Doug Martin had a better 2015 than any other running back in free agency, so he should be considered the best player available. Martin has struggled with consistency over the last four seasons, as he has missed 17 games between 2013 and 2014. He has only played through a full season twice, once in 2012 and the last being his incredibly productive 2015 season.
The knock on Martin is his lack of productivity at the goal line, as in the last three seasons, he has only recorded 9 touchdowns. The 49ers will need to decide whether or not pursuing the 27-year-old is in their best interest. The 49ers have the cap space, but it is anyone's guess just how much money Martin will command during free agency.
Running backs have been devalued all throughout the NFL, but having a good running game is the only way to achieve a balanced offense. San Francisco will most likely see all three of their free agent running backs leave, so it would be wise to invest in the future, and with a new coach and likely a new quarterback, some fresh playmakers could change this offense dramatically.
Adding Martin and having him split time with Carlos Hyde could keep both of them healthy enough to regularly play full seasons without dealing with significant injuries. The 49ers also have a shot at Martin because he grew up in Oakland, and at 27, the next contract Martin signs will likely be his last.
