Will the Oakland Raiders be able to land Marshawn Lynch? Here are the latest updates.
Raider Nation is falling all over themselves with the possibility of a Marshawn Lynch return. With good reason. It just makes sense in so many ways, and would vault the Oakland Raiders into top-flight contention.
This Tweet from NFL Network’s Adam Schefter got everyone all excited:
Raiders strongly considering acquiring RB Marshawn Lynch, either through trade or by his release, sources tell @JosinaAnderson and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2017
Raiders radio personality Greg Papa said on his radio show that same day that the Raiders were talking to a certain running back that “wasn’t even in the NFL last year,” and the Lynch rumors have taken off.
As befits such a loyal and loving fanbase, Raider Nation sprung into action immediately to recruit Beast Mode:
REPORT: #RaiderNation has raised $564 for Marshawn Lynch's charity to show how much he is loved by the #Raiders https://t.co/YOGDuKbVcj
— James (@OaklandAboveAll) March 17, 2017
As, of course, did the Raiders resident comedian and punter Marquette King:
As of now, Lynch is still under contract with the Seahawks. But he apparently asked for his release last week, and is rocking Raider gear among family and friends.
Lynch himself is doing nothing to quell the rumors. Although notoriously quiet when it comes to engaging the media, Lynch did add fuel to the fire by personally retweeting this on Friday:
https://twitter.com/ericthut22/status/843267568240660482
Was he trolling? It’s tough to say with Lynch. The dude is hilarious, and loves to mess with people. But would he do that to the long-suffering fanbase in his hometown?
That’s not likely. All indications from Lynch are that he wants to come back, and he’s only considering that comeback with the Raiders.
But it is, at this point, all rumor. As reported by Vic Tafur of SFgate.com, Lynch’s agent Doug Hendrickson spoke with KNBR (680 AM). In the interview, Hendrickson says hasn’t even spoken to his client about this and it’s all media speculation at this point.
"“So he and I have not spoken about this at all,” Hendrickson told KNBR (680 AM). “So it was the media who took the ball and kind of ran with it.”"
Hendrickson went on to say that Lynch’s colorful and eclectic personality make it impossible for him to speculate whether Beast Mode actually does want to return.
"“I’m due to see him this week,” Hendrickson told KNBR. “He’s one of the most unique guys I’ve ever been with in my life. Marshawn … it wouldn’t shock me if he says, ‘Hey, I want to play.’ It wouldn’t shock me if he says, ‘Nah, I don’t know where this came from. I don’t want to play.’”"
Hendrickson says that money isn’t a factor, stating Lynch has barely spent any of the millions he’s made thus far. Hendrickson says he misses the game but it’s impossible to read the man.
"“He does miss football. No question. He loves the game of football. He’s 30. But until I meet with him this week, you know, I don’t know what his mind-set is. He’s the kind of guy that can shift by the hour.”"
Lynch is an Oakland native. He’s active in the community, with his Family First Foundation focusing on mentoring needy Oakland youth in education, literacy and self-esteem. He helped build schools and homes in Haiti last year.
Lynch is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Off the field he is caring, generous, and gentle. On the field he is ruthless, brutal, and vicious. He’s just what the Raiders need to replace Latavius Murray and compliment finesse backs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington.
He is just what Oakland continues to need to build up at-risk youth in the community and improve living conditions in the Bay Area.
Lynch loves Oakland and the Raiders. The Raiders need a running back. Lynch is one of the best, with a year of rest. He can do it all, and has the love and endorsement of pretty much anyone he’s ever met. He’s respected as a man and a player throughout the league, and by former teammates.
So what needs to happen to make this happen?
First and foremost, Lynch needs to decide he wants to come back and go through the process. As Hendrickson said, that is no guarantee at this point. Between the rumours and hints dropped by Lynch himself, optimism is fair. But there are no guarantees in life.
Seattle still holds his rights. They don’t want to just release him and would like to get something for him, but many think that’s unlikely. The Raiders would probably still be willing to trade a reasonable sum to get him, though Reggie McKenzie does love his draft picks.
Financially, Lynch would likely command a minimum of $8M per season. Although with Hendrickson firmly stating money is not a factor perhaps a hometown discount would actually happen with the Raiders. But he still won’t be cheap.
The Raiders have signed five key free agents this offseason: WR/KR Cordarelle Patterson; TE Jared Cook; G Marshall Newhouse; QB E.J. Manuel, and LB Jelani Jenkins.
Amongst those players, Cook’s deal is the largest at $2.5M annually, with a $2.5M roster bonus. Patterson is also slated to make $2.5M in 2017 but his bonuses are slightly lower. Newhouse’s salary is $1.75M, Jenkins $1M and Manuel $800K.
That’s roughly $9M in 2017 for five free agents. Therefore, Reggie McKenzie’s fiscal maneuvering leaves the Raiders an estimated $27M in current cap space. They have room to sign Lynch to a significant deal if that opportunity does arise.
The Raiders have added speed and weaponry to an already potent offense in Cook and Patterson. Derek Carr’s rehab is going well and he’s slated to get even better in 2017. The offensive line lost Menelik Watson and could use a reliable RT, but is still one of the best in the NFL.
The only thing missing to send this offense into the stratosphere? A Beast in the backfield.