The Seattle Seahawks can praise Marshawn Lynch all they want, but it appears the writing on the wall reads that the running back will not return in 2015. Trade rumors surrounded Lynch's name prior to the season starting, all met with a laugh as many believed there was no way the Seattle Seahawks would cut ties with Beast Mode. However, as the regular-season begins to dwindle down, it appears slightly more believable that Lynch is done. Would there be a team willing to make a trade for the running back or will Seattle simply release him at the end of the year?
The big factor in Lynch's future is his contract. The Seahawks could save $7 million of his $8.5 million cap hit if they cut him in the offseason. The running back market is weak and no matter what Lynch's stats say about him, his salary is simply too high for his position. Most players only earned one-year deals worth upwards of $2 million last free agency run. Lynch could be considered overpaid at this point. While Lynch remains a quality producer on the field, his off-the-field antics could be pushing the Seahawks over the edge. Head coach Pete Carroll told the media that Lynch and the team are working things out.
"We're working through it," Carroll said, via ESPN.com. "Marshawn is a very private person and we've all learned that and we've respected that about him for years. I've respected the heck out of that when we got to the Super Bowl last year and everyone was clamoring and all that. As we're moving forward, he's giving us everything he's got and we're working through it and that's where that is right now. This football team is determined to do well. We still have a lot out there. This is a tremendous finish opportunity and Marshawn, hopefully if he can get back again this week, he'll be right in the middle of it with us."
There are plenty of teams that would love to take on Lynch next season. The New England Patriots are an option. They are currently starting rookie Jonas Gray in the backfield while the rest of their rotation appears to be out in free agency. Tom Brady would love a running back of Lynch's level on the field. The Denver Broncos will need help as Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman remain inconsistent with their stats and health. The Oakland Raiders could be a favorite after losing Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew.
It is unlikely any team will trade for Lynch. The Seattle Seahawks will try and get more in return than he is worth. However, the second Lynch hits the free agency market, franchises will be lining up.