The Oakland Raiders have a potential franchise running back in Latavius Murray. In his first season as a full-time starter, the running back became the first Raider to eclipse 1,000 yards since Darren McFadden in 2010. However, history shows that oen team cannot rely on just one running back. A tandem gives teams the best chance at success which is where Oakland is lacking. With Roy Helu potentially a one-and-done for the Raiders, could someone like Marshawn Lynch be a target?
At the moment, Marshawn Lynch is an unknown for the Seattle Seahawks and the rest of the NFL. Originally, John Clayton of ESPN reported that the running back was likely to be released from the franchise. As an $11.5 million cap hit, the Seahawks would save $6.5 million by releasing him. Considering his recent injuries and age, Lynch appears likely out of the Seattle at the start of free agency, but is he out of the NFL altogether?
According to general manager John Schneider on KIRO and KJR radio, the Seahawks believe Lynch is leaning towards retirement this offseason which would save Seattle the trouble of releasing him.
"I really, honestly don't know at this point," Schneider said, via KJR. "If you put a gun to my head I would say he is leaning toward retirement. But I think with Marshawn you never really know. He's a fierce competitor. We just have to handle it the right way in terms of showing him as much respect as we possibly can for everything he's done for this organization."
Lynch has toyed with retirement before and returned to the NFL. That could very well be what happens this offseason, but the chances that he remains in Seattle are still slim which means he could be looking for a new home in 2016. According to Bleacher Report, the Raiders are a potential landing spot for Lynch. First and foremost, Lynch is from Oakland, so he has ties to the franchise's fan base. If the Raiders can get a veteran like Lynch on the roster on a manageable contract, they would be wise to look at the move as he would be the perfect player to rotate with Murray.
The Raiders do not need a star behind Murray, just someone that can take the rushing load off his shoulders. A veteran could be the idea player on a short-term contract. Both Matt Forte and Arian Foster are expected to be looking for new homes and could get targeted by the Raiders.
With Helu potentially on his way out of Oakland, the Raiders need someone to come in and help. Murray is confident he can handle the responsibility of the run game, but the workhorse mantra rarely works out well. Murray needs help and the Raiders will have options to give it to him.
"I have to continue to do the things I need to do so I'm producing, I'm playing my best," Murray said, via the team website. "To be honest, because like I said, I felt that I left so much out there. To me, it didn't feel like a 1,000-yard season. There were games where there was absolutely nothing. For me, I just know I want to get better. I know that if I can move it 1,000 yards with that kind of season, then there's a lot more out there for me."