Headlines this week regarding the Oakland Raiders have shied away from the Las Vegas relocation, with the franchise being actively linked to running back Marshawn Lynch. During the initial phase of the offseason, it was reported that Lynch was pondering the idea of coming out of retirement, but nothing was officially stated.
The story then escalated when his former head coach, Pete Carroll, stated he spoke to Lynch and that there was some truth to that possibility. However, the most captivating headline came on Wednesday, when it was reported that Lynch actually made a visit to the Raiders’ training facility.
Lynch stated to the Raiders’ brass that he indeed wants to come out of retirement and re-join the NFL, confirming what many Raiders fans have secretly questioned throughout much of the offseason. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was able to confirm Lynch’s visit, but also gave some insight into the situation and the chances of regarding Lynch joining the Raiders:
On Marshawn Lynch: My understanding is that meeting with Jack Del Rio is the final hurdle. If the #Raiders coach signs off, dominoes fall.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2017
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
While both ends do have mutual interest in a possible deal, Lynch’s contract scenario does provide some issues to get around. He still has two years left on his deal with the Seahawks, meaning that he would be on the Seahawks’ roster if he filed to come out of retirement. McKenzie and Seahawks’ general manager John Schneider would have to either agree on a trade for Lynch, or Lynch would be eligible to sign if the Seahawks flat out wanted to release him off the roster.
Schneider made an appearance on 710 Seattle this morning, stating that his relationship with McKenzie would facilitate making a possible deal work, via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times:
John Schneider says on @710Seattle move of Lynch to Raiders would go "in a smooth manner'' cuz of relationship with Reggie McKenzie.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) April 5, 2017
The 2017 NFL offseason has provided an opportunity for general manager Reggie McKenzie to lock down some reasonable bargains in order to bolster the defensive side. However, not many NFL aficionados expected the Raiders to be as active as they have been on the offensive side.
McKenzie was able to lock down wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, in order to lock down a vertical threat for Derek Carr and serve as a replacement to Andre Holmes. It is also no secret that general manager and the Raiders organization have also been interested in an addition at the running back position.
Running back Latavius Murray agreed to a deal to join the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington as the only proven running backs in the backfield. However, those two are coming off of their rookie seasons, with the Raiders also needing a power running back that can take hits and move the chains.
The main target in terms of running backs during the NFL offseason has been Adrian Peterson. The free agent has made several visits to teams around the NFL, but recently stated that the Raiders are his desired destination.
