After Sunday's NFC Championship Game, it seems crazy that the Seattle Seahawks would let Marshawn Lynch go come free agency. The running back accounted for 157 yards and one touchdowns to get the win over the Green Bay Packers and a return trip to the Super Bowl. It was Lynch's 24-yard touchdown that propelled a fourth quarter rally and win. However, rumors have been flying that Lynch is gone come free agency, something the Seahawks might not be ready to let happen just yet.
Midway through the NFL season, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Lynch was gone in free agency. The Seahawks were viewing 2014 as their last year with the running back and Lynch himself was admitting that Beastmode in Seattle was likely ending after the season. Lynch still has one more year remaining on his current while being an $8 million cap hit next year. Regardless of his stats, that is a big hit for an aging running back and the Seahawks were ready to move on.
However, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Seahawks are now considering bringing Lynch back at his original $5 million salary, "Mainly because he actually has outperformer his contract and learly established himself as the identity of this team," Rapoport said. The Seahawks front office believes they have no choice but to bring back the running back for at least one more season.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Lynch accounted for 26.8 percent of the Seahawks' yards from scrimmage and 39.0 percent of their offensive touches. Seattle believes the running back is the face of the franchise outside of quarterback Russell Wilson. However, one thing working against Lynch is his issues in the media. On top of multiple fines for not talking to reports and making obscene gestures during touchdowns, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported that Lynch was almost banned during pregame warmups of the NFC Championship for non-approved cleats. It is that kind of drama that has the Seahawks uncertain. Given Wilson still needs a contract, that could be the complication.
There are plenty of teams that would jump at a trade for Lynch. The Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons are all teams looking for ground-game upgrades. Lynch would certainly have the attention of the league if available.
