Bucs kick off free agency by keeping Doug Martin

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Breathe easy Bucs fans. Doug Martin is not going anywhere.

The NFL's second leading rusher has re-signed a 5-year contract worth $35 million and $15 guaranteed.

"He's earned every penny," said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. "We want to keep good players. Today's about Doug."

The deal was actually announced prior to the 4 p.m. opening of free agency. A credit to both sides in getting the deal done. 

"I've always wanted to remain a Buc," Martin told reporters on a conference call Wednesday afternoon.

Martin reportedly had other suitors, but no official offers were announced publicly.

The agreement is a fair market price, placing him among the top eight paid running backs in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Bucs secured a huge piece of their offense and their own first round pick from 2012.

The Bucs still have plenty of cap space to address other needs, presumably on defense and along the offensive line.