There is no doubting the talent and value of Marshawn Lynch. The running back is one of the key players that got the Seattle Seahawks their Super Bowl win this past season. He might not lead the league, but he certainly makes a difference on the field. Lynch is well-aware of his value to the Seahawks and would prefer to get paid like such. As the running back holds out in demand of a new deal, could retirement be the ending solution?
According to ESPN.com, Lynch will not be attending mandatory minicamp next week with Seattle in hopes of getting leverage for a new contract. The running back is entering the third year of a four-year, $30 million contract that included a $6 million signing bonus. He is set to make $5 million this year, Lynch is worth every penny. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in the past three seasons while putting up 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
There are several factors preventing Lynch from getting a new deal. The running back market is not strong. The free agents this year found that out the hard way as many were forced into signing one or two-year deals for small money. Knowshon Moreno was coming off his best season yet and only earned a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. The position just simply is not as high paying as it was once before.
Another issue is Russell Wilson's upcoming contract extension, plus new deals for remaining wide receivers. The Seahawks are preparing to keep opening their wallets, just not for a running back. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Seahawks are very unlikely to give Lynch a new deal since he already is one of the highest paid running backs in the league. The Seahawks also used a second-round draft pick on Texas A&M running back Christine Michael who is waiting in the wings to take Lynch's place. He only appeared in three games as a rookie, but Rapoport believes his workload will increase this season.
So what does Lynch do is the Seahawks deny him a deal? According to Rapoport, retirement is a real possibility. Lynch is 28 and showing no signs of truly slowing down. The NFL writer notes that Lynch is reportedly telling teammates if Seattle wins the next Super Bowl then he is calling it a career. There is still plenty of time for this story to twist and change since the season opener is still 84 days away. Lynch is not likely getting a new contract and also not doing himself any favors by holding out.
