Marshawn Lynch and Arian Foster reportedly could be released by their teams this offseason and if that happens, the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots could be potential landing spots for the running backs.
Lynch's future with the Seattle Seahawks has been up in the air for quite some time and there is a chance he could get released this offseason. Reports have Lynch also considering retirement, but that came up last year and did not end up happening, so there is a chance Lynch could still continue to play into next season. According to the Seattle Times, general manager John Schneider said that he is "under the impression" that Lynch is seriously considering retirement after this season.
Lynch's mother also wrote about the situation, as KING-5 Seattle reports that Delisa Lynch tweeted about her son, writing that "I do not know his plans so please wait for his decision and respect it!" Lynch spent most of this past season on the sidelines while dealing with injuries and that could be one factor in his decision to retire and also a factor if the team decides to release Lynch. John Clayton spoke with ESPN 710 Seattle and said that there is "no way" that Lynch will be returning to Seattle on his current salary.
Lynch is set to count for over $11 million on the salary cap this season and if the Seahawks cut him, the team can save over $6 million. Lynch worked out a new deal with the Seahawks before last season, but that only gave him a pay bump for 2015 and did not give him any security in 2016-17. The Seahawks have Thomas Rawls on the roster and they could give him the chance to start after the rookie played very well while Lynch was sidelined this season.
Arian Foster is in a similar position with the Texans, as he is getting to the age of 30 and dealt with injuries in 2015. Foster only played in four games in 2015 while dealing with groin and Achilles injuries and that could lead to him getting released by Houston. According to the Houston Chronicle, "multiple sources" have said that the team is expected to consider releasing the running back this offseason.
Foster has had injury issues for the bulk of his career and he has not played a full season for the team since back in 2012. Foster is set to make a non-guaranteed $6.5 million next season and that would make releasing him a bit easier. There is always a chance that Foster could take pay cut, but right now it looks like the Texans are leaning towards releasing the running back.
Lynch and Foster likely would be prime targets for teams if they are available on the market, even after dealing with injuries in 2015. Both players are very productive while healthy and could be solid fits as secondary options at running back. The Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Patriots along with the Browns all could be in the market for running backs this offseason and could be fits for Lynch or foster if they are cut.