Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht says he's optimistic his team will reach a deal to retain impending free-agent running back Doug Martin.

Licht admitted to reporters at the scouting combine that he anticipates obstacles in negotiating with Martin, the NFL's second-leading rusher in 2015, but indicated the interest in reaching a deal is mutual.

Martin is rumored to be intent on hitting the open market and getting maximum value for his services.

Aside from Martin, Licht said his team's primary focus this offseason will be improving on defense.

The Buccaneers found a franchise quarterback at the top of last year's draft in Jameis Winston, then focused on solidifying the line in front of him, and that may have come at a cost on the other side of the ball.

The Buccaneers got a head start on revamping their defense earlier this offseason, firing defensive-minded head coach Lovie Smith after the team finished in the bottom 10 in points per game allowed for a second straight year.