The Seattle Seahawks are working on a new contract with Marshawn Lynch and while reports have the two sides agreeing on a deal, the reps for the running back have refuted that and the two sides now will continue working on a deal and this comes as the Seahawks have to sign Russell Wilson and may target names like Torrey Smith, Julius Thomas, Mark Ingram, Michael Crabtree or CJ Spiller on the market.
There have been some conflicting reports that Lynch and the Seahawks have a agreed to a deal with Jason La Canfora reporting that a deal "is in place" between the two sides. Pro Football Talk refuted that report and according to Lynch's agent, the Seahawks and the running back have not agreed to a deal. Lynch has been the main priority for the Seahawks this offseason and there have been reports about his reluctance to come back and that he is considering retirement. According to ESPN.com, Lynch has dealt with chronic back issues and that is one reason why he is taking time to consider his options.
Lynch is coming off of another productive season and after helping the team make it to the Super Bowl, the Seahawks are hoping to retain his services. Earlier in the season there were reports that the Seahawks would look at the release or trade of Lynch into 2015, but following the Super Bowl all signs have pointed to the team trying to keep him. General manager John Schneider has spoken at length about Lynch and he said that while the team wants to get a deal done, he would not be surprised to see Lynch walk away from the game.
Yahoo Sports reported that the Seahawks are offering Lynch a deal that would pay him over $10 million in 2015. The reports say that the contract is between $11 million and $12 million and could be for two or three years. Lynch is taking his time and while it could be a tactic to get more money, it appears that Lynch is also seriously considering retirement. Pete Carroll said to the media that he is "preparing for the future" with Lynch and that he expects him to return.
Lynch will be 29 years old in April, but so far he has shown no signs of decline like other running backs around that age. Lynch rushed for 1306 yards last season and he has had at least 1200 yards in four of his five seasons in Seattle. Lynch has been a TD machine, scoring 35 times in the past three years and scoring at least 11 in each of his past four seasons. Lynch has only missed one game during his time in Seattle and he has been as valuable as anyone to the success of the team, including Russell Wilson.
Speaking of Wilson, Schneider could be looking to get his deal done soon, as he is line to get a major extension coming up. Wilson has taken his team to the playoffs in each of his three seasons as a starter and has won one Super Bowl and appeared in another. Reports have his contract possibly being fully guaranteed to help with the cap. In free agency this year, the team may look at RBs like Ingram or Spiller if Lynch is done, while Crabtree, Julius Thomas and Jordan Cameron could be targets with Torrey Smith.