The curious case of Marshawn Lynch continues. The running back has no doubt been a beast for the Seattle Seahawks, but suddenly his future with the franchise is coming into question as their offense has sputtered in recent weeks. The running back was reportedly at risk of getting cut in the preseason and now is on the trade block with the deadline approaching. After reports of riffs in the locker room, head coach Pete Carroll is going on the defense about the star running back and his place on the team.
ESPN reported over the weekend that the Seahawks were fed up with the antics of Lynch and were prepared to trade or release him in the future. Lynch is signed through 2015 and is expected to earn $6 million and $5 million before that. Many have expected him to be a cap casualty at some point which is why Lynch attempted to hold out for a new contract in the preseason. The Seahawks did not bite and the running back remains at risk of leaving.
Carroll is denying any and all reports that Lynch is headed out of Seattle and that the team is no longer happy with their star running back.
"At this point, I don't think it behooves us to try to respond to all these kinds of things," Carroll said, via ESPN.com. "Our players have told you how they feel about it, and we're in a really good place right now. It's just not worth it, but there's nothing to that. He's doing fine. He works his tail off. Since the day he got back here, he looked terrific. He returned in great shape. He's done everything we ask of him. He's always ready to play and he's doing great."
It will not be a shock is Lynch is released or traded sooner rather than later. Seattle is not making a move at the deadline. However, the offseason will be a different story. Lynch has caused some drama during his tenure in Seattle. The running back almost never speaks to the media. He opted not to attend the White House ceremony following the Super Bowl win. He has a training camp hold out to his name and is reportedly a locker room distraction.
All of those things will certainly not stop a team from making a move should the running back be available in the offseason. The Dallas Cowboys will likely be losing DeMarco Murray to free agency. While it would seem odd to trade for Lynch instead of re-signing a younger back, it is a Jerry Jones- type move. The Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens will be looking for replacements for Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice. There are options.
