Until a new contract between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and running back Doug Martin is signed this offseason, many Bucs fans will be holding their breath. But for those starting to turn slightly blue, there are even more signs pointing that it is okay to exhale just a little.

As reported in late January, PewterReport.com has learned that such discussions have taken place between Bucs general manager Jason Licht and agent David Dunn regarding a contract extension with Pro Bowler Martin.

And then earlier this week Martin appeared on PFT.com and confirmed Tampa is where he wants to be.

“I love Tampa and Tampa loves me,” Martin said. “I’ve got a house out there so I do wish I’ll go back to Tampa.”

Martin was asked his thoughts if a new contract can’t be reached in the coming weeks, and the Buccaneers chose to use the franchise tag to keep him in Tampa.

“I’ll play the year and we’ll see what happens,” Martin said regarding if he was designated a franchise player. “Those negotiations are being talked about behind the scenes.”

But again, as reported by PewterReport.com while at the Senior Bowl in late January, Tampa Bay’s front office has no plans to use the franchise tag on Martin (in the $12 million range), and are confident it will never come to that.

Late last season Martin told the local media that Tampa Bay is where he wants to be for the next few years.

“I love Tampa. I built a house here so I love it here,” Martin said of the city right before saying it would be a priority to re-sign with Tampa Bay before leaving for another organization. “This is my fourth year here and I’ve built a lot of relationships around here and like I said I just love Tampa.”

If the contract situation was a motivator or a distraction, Martin’s did his best not to admit to either back during the season.

“That will take care of itself,” Martin said. “I’m just going to go out there and do my job on the field. I know if I do my job everything else will fall into place.”