Marshawn Lynch will be an x-factor in the upcoming Super Bowl matchup for the Seattle Seahawks. The running back, despite all of his fines and media antics, will be a crucial aspect to beating the New England Patriots on Sunday. The Seahawks are well-aware of his worth to the team which have them re-thinking the longevity of their relationship. Head coach Pete Carroll is all in favor of Lynch returning in 2015.
Lynch is causing drama before the Super Bowl has even begun after getting fined for a crotch-grabbing gesture while scoring a touchdown in the NFC Championship Game. That was just another incident added to the list of many for Lynch this season that includes refusing to speak to media and fighting to wear non-approved cleats. However, after all of that the Seahawks are suddenly thinking they need to keep the running back around for the long-term after trade rumors ran wild earlier in the season.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider told the media that "I kind of love his act" when asked about the recent drama regarding Lynch. Head coach Pete Carroll echoed those words making it clear that Seattle supported Lynch and were confident he would have a great week and Super Bowl performance.
"First off, let's not miss that he is a very unique individual and he has a way that we have embraced, that we understand Marshawn and we support him every way that we can," Carroll said, via NFL.com. "But, he is a very unique guy and he's got his own way of looking at things and he's also a very private person, too. That's why the media thing is as it is. It's not something that he is going to express a whole lot to you."
These statements confirm a report from NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that the Seahawks have no intentions of trading Lynch with just one year left on his contract because they understand his role on the team and his importance to the fanbase. The issue could be other contracts the Seahawks will need to get done this offseason.
Schneider confirmed that cornerback Byron Maxwell will be a priority for the Seahawks this offeseason after Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor all signed huge contracts last year. He will get priority alongside Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner. Those deals could force at least one cap casualty this year and it may or may not be Lynch.