Buccaneers "expressed interest" in Chris Ivory, possibly Lamar Miller

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have "expressed interest" in running back Chris Ivory, according to Rick Stroud. The Tampa Bay Times reporter reports the Bucs see Ivory as a candidate if they can't retain Doug Martin, who will test the market in free agency.

Ivory would be a good fit as an early-down back and complement to Charles Sims, who had a very good year as a change-of-pace and receiving back. Ivory had 1,070 yards rushing on 247 carries last year, and has 4,031 yards on 883 carries in his career for 4.6 yards per carry. The 27-year-old is a downhill running back who's tough to stop, but not particularly useful as a receiver -- precisely the opposite of Sims.

Stroud also reports the Bucs are "expected" to be interested in Lamar Miller, though it's not clear who, exactly, expects that to happen. Miller would be a more curious fit: he's more like Sims, and not much of an early-down back -- which is likely why the Miami Dolphins usually limited his carries. He's also reportedly looking for a contract worth $8 million per year, though he's not going to get that on the open market. That said, he's a young, explosive and versatile back who had over 1,250 yards from scrimmage in both of the past two seasons. He'd be a useful player, just not necessarily the kind of foundational back the Bucs need.