The Seattle Seahawks might be under some controversy as to who is more favored between Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson, but the team is already making steps to retain both for the long-term. While head coach Pete Carroll is being forced to downplay talk that he favors the quarterback more than the running back, the franchise appears to love Lynch and Wilson equally as they prepare big contracts for both players. Lynch has already been offered a nice pay raise for his performance this year.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks have already offered Lynch a long-term contract as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract. Rapoport believes the deal is to be worth more than $10 million annually which would be a $5 million raise from what he is supposed to earn in 2015. Rapoport's report is certainly a major turnaround from the news that was circling Lynch all season prior to the Super Bowl.
It was assumed that Lynch's time in Seattle was over after the season. The running back had a large cap hit and the Seahawks were simply prepared to move on from Beast Mode regardless of the outcome of the season. Most believed Lynch would be traded and that there would be a nice market for his talents considering he is one of the best backs in the NFL and has yet to show a decline in talent. However, a week before the Super Bowl, the Seahawks made it clear they were serious about keeping Lynch around, stating they liked what he brought to the franchise.
If Lynch does sign a contract extension, he will become the highest paid running back in the NFL outside of Adrian Peterson. Lynch has been waiting for more money from Seattle. He held out of training camp last year in order to send the message, but was instead met with trade rumors over contract negotiations. Lynch's agent told the media that negotiations have been taking place and the running back is expected to remain with the Seahawks for his career.
A deal for Russell Wilson will likely follow Lynch's contract. Despite the Super Bowl loss, Wilson is expected to become the highest paid player in the NFL as his contract will rank higher than the deals Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo and Matt Ryan just signed. After both of those players are locked down for the future, the focus will shift to the defense as players like Malcolm Smith and Byron Jackson along with Jermaine Kearse who will be a restricted free agent.