Marshawn Lynch Meets With Oakland Raiders Officials
In mid-March, rumblings leaked that Marshawn Lynch would consider coming back to the NFL for one team — the Oakland Raiders — who had a mutual interest in the idea of a homecoming for Beastmode. On Wednesday (Apr. 5), the Oakland native reportedly met with Raiders officials at the team’s facility. According to ESPN, Lynch reportedly told the Oakland front office that he plans to come out of retirement.
READ: Is Marshawn Lynch Considering Coming Out Of Retirement?
Retired RB Marshawn Lynch did, in fact, tell #Raiders he intends to un-retire and play again, I’m told. It’s a long process, tho #BeastMode.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2017
ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes that a deal “will eventually happen,” but there are a number of hurdles that have to get cleared before you see Lynch holding a silver and black jersey. Barstool Sports broke the news that the 30-year-old received clearance from the Seahawks, who still retain his rights, to meet with the Raiders on Wednesday.
Seattle head coach Pete Carroll met with Lynch, who hasn’t played since early 2016, at the owner’s meetings in March and said he’s pondering the idea of a comeback. “I know that he is somewhat entertaining the thought of it. I can’t tell you how strong it is,” he said. “You’ve got to talk to him.”
READ: Marshawn Lynch Thinks Only Racists Are Threatened By Kaepernick’s Protest
It’s tough to believe the Raiders would part with draft picks or take on Lynch’s $9 million cap hit, so they would prefer him to be released by Seattle, so they could negotiate a new contract. Oakland has fans salivating at the thought they could have their Latavius Murray replacement in the form of a five-time Pro Bowler. Is a potential homecoming on the horizon?
