After two weeks of reports that retired former Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was eyeing a return to football with the Oakland Raiders, two parties finally agreed to terms on Friday, according to Mike Silver of NFL Network. Once the trade from Seattle is officially completed, Lynch will be a Raider.
Marshawn Lynch has signed with the Raiders. Terms to come. @nflnetwork
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) April 14, 2017
Correction: Marshawn Lynch and the Raiders have agreed to terms. Trade with Seahawks still needs to be completed. @nflnetwork (stay tuned)
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) April 14, 2017
Lynch is still under contract with the Seattle Seahawks after signing a contract extension for two-years, and worth $24 million in 2015. Lynch has likely restructured that deal and now must be traded to the Raiders for an unknown return.
Lynch, 30, is an Oakland native, and Bay Area fan favorite after attending and staring for Cal from 2004-2006. Lynch spent most of the 2015 season on the shelf dealing with a sports hernia. Lynch’s last full season was 2014, where he gained 1,306 yards rushing on 4.7 yards per carry, leading many to believe that Lynch is still capable of being a productive NFL back. If he is, one can only imagine how effective he would be behind one of the best offensive lines in football.
The Raiders are looking to replace running back Latavius Murray who recently departed for the Vikings in free agency. Oakland has also been linked to former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who is coming off a knee injury that sidelined him for all but three games in 2016. Taiwan Jones is currently listed as the Raiders’ starting running back.
In nine seasons as a pro, Lynch gained 9,112 yards on the ground, scoring 74 TDs and earning five trips to the Pro Bowl.
