Marshawn Lynch may have played his last game for the Seattle Seahawks after the team lost to the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs on Sunday.
The Seahawks running back has had his future in Seattle in question since last offseason and heading into 2016, there's a chance that the team could consider releasing Lynch. Jay Glazer spoke about the situation after the playoff loss against the Panthers and he said that it's likely "the last game in a Seahawks uniform" for Lynch. Next season Lynch has a cap hit over $11 million and by the start of the 2016 season Lynch will be 30, the age most running backs start to break down.
Lynch has been one of the most used running backs in the league over the past four seasons and he is coming off of a season where he missed games due to multiple injuries. Lynch could be breaking down already after putting up at least 280 carries and over 300 touches in four straight seasons and that could contribute to the Seahawks decision. Lynch played in just seven games this season, rushing for 417 yards on 111 carries with three touchdowns, all career lows for his time in Seattle.
Lynch had a hamstring injury earlier in the season and also missed the back half of the season after having abdominal surgery. Lynch missed the wild card game against the Vikings and returned against the Panthers, but he finished the game with just 20 rushing yards on six carries. The Seahawks had to abandon the run after going down 31-0 against the Panthers.
Last year Lynch and the Seahawks dealt with a contract dispute and the team eventually resolved it by bumping up Lynch's salary for this past season. Lynch signed a three-year, $31 million contract during the offseason and went to $12 million on salary and bonuses after being set to make $7 million. Lynch is signed for two more seasons, but those salaries are not guaranteed and would allow the team to release Lynch if they choose.
After dealing with injuries and other issues during 2015 (and the fact that Thomas Rawls played well and the team went 6-1 without Lynch down the backstretch of the season), it likely means that Lynch will not be back in Seattle. Rawls had a strong season for the Seahawks with 830 yards before getting injured and he is signed into the 2018 season.
The team also could consider bringing back Christine Michael for 2016, as he played fairly well after returning to the Seahawks following his trade to the Cowboys earlier in the season. Michael is a restricted free agent and he potentially could be a cheap option to return. Michel did not feature in the game against the Panthers and do not touch the ball in the divisional round game.
