Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin "likely" out of Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- So much for optimism.

A day after Tampa Bays general manager Jason Licht said he was "optimistic" about re-signing free agent running back Doug Martin, a source told the Tampa Tribune that he is "more likely" to sign with another team.

"Rough Waters ahead? RB Doug Martin more likely to sign with a team other than #Bucs on first day of free agency, per a league source," The Tribune's Roy Cummings said.

Martin, 27, ranked No. 2 in the NFL with 1,402 rushing yards last season. He earned $2,159,668 in the final year of his rookie contract last season.

Martin, and Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte, would likely be the top running backs targeted in free agency this offseason.

If the Buccaneers were to franchise tag Martin, the team would pay him about $11.5 million this season.