The Seattle Seahawks and Marshawn Lynch could be headed for a split in 2015 after the Super Bowl, as the running back has a decent cap number and if a trade or his release goes down, teams like the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens or NY Jets could be potential destinations.
Lynch comes in after putting up over 150 yards against the Green Bay Packers and he will be a key player for the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Earlier in the season there was a report from ESPN.com that described the Seahawks organization as being "tired" of Lynch and his off the field antics and that they could part ways with him in 2015. While head coach Pete Carroll came out to refute that claim, there is a chance it could happen after Lynch previously held out before the start of the 2014 season.
Lynch has been in the news quite a bit regarding his stance about the media and he also has gotten attention for his crotch grabbing touchdown celebrations. While Carroll and the team has come to the defense of Lynch regarding the media, teams often do not like distractions and what Lynch has had happen over the past few weeks is an example of what many teams often try not to do. GM John Schneider has also expressed his support and based on what he said, the act has not worn on the team and they plan on having him back. Either way, Lynch has a cap number of $8.5 million next season and if that number isn't worked on, he could be moved or released.
Lynch clearly is not like other running backs, as he has had over 1200 yards in each of the past four seasons, but he is getting towards 30-years-old and the Seahawks may look at cutting loose a year too early rather than a year too late. Lynch has been a huge part of the success for the Seahawks, but football is a business and if the numbers don't add up for 2015, he could be a cap casualty. The team has to sign Russell Wilson along with a number of other important players and getting rid of Lynch's salary may make that easier.
Lynch rushed for 1306 yards this season and scored 13 touchdowns, making it four straight seasons with at least 10 rushing TDs. Lynch has had at least 280 carries in each of the past four seasons and that could factor into the decision for the Seahawks as well. Lynch has been worked as much as anyone over the past four years, but he has only missed one game in his time with the Seahawks and that was back in 2011. Lynch helped the team rank first in rushing yards per game this season and some argue he is more valuable to the Seahawks success than anyone else.
If Lynch parts ways with the Seahawks, expect his services to be targeted heavily by other teams. The Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders each will have cap space and have a major need at running back. The Cleveland Browns also may look at adding a veteran running back after getting rid of Ben Tate, while the Raiders likely will be letting Darren McFadden go and could be interested.