Marshawn Lynch could be released by the Seattle Seahawks this offseason and if that happens, teams like the Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots could be interested in signing the running back.
Lynch's future with the Seahawks has been up in the air for a while, as the running back dealt with injuries this season and has a high cap number for next year. Lynch and the Seahawks had a contract dispute heading into last season and that was resolved with Lynch getting a pay bump for 2015, but not much security beyond that. Lynch has a cap hit of over $11 million next year and his salary is $9 million, which might be too high for what the Seahawks want to do.
The Seahawks could talk to Lynch about taking a pay cut, but right now it looks like Lynch may have played his last game in Seattle. According to the Seattle Times, head coach Pete Carroll said "I don't know how that's going to go" regarding the future for Lynch and many in the media have speculated that the running back could get released this offseason. The Seahawks can save over $6 million by getting rid of Lynch, who only played in seven games last season while dealing with hamstring and abdominal injuries.
Lynch will be 30 by the time next season starts and he has been one of the most utilized running backs in the league over the past few years, meaning he has a lot of wear and tear on his body. Thomas Rawls stepped in for Lynch while he was injured this season and his strong play could help make the decision easier for the Seahawks. Rawls makes less than $1 million and that could be the deciding factor in what the team opts to do with Lynch.
John Clayton of ESPN spoke with 710 ESPN Seattle and said on the radio that "one-hundred percent, there is no way I can see (him back) with his salary." The team could work out a new deal with Lynch, but after the way things went last season, Lynch may not want to go down that road again. If Lynch is released, he likely would have a number of suitors on the market, even after dealing with injuries last season.
The Oakland Raiders could be a potential landing spot, as Chris Simms at Bleacher Report writes that the team likely will target the RB position this offseason. The Raiders have Latavius Murray in as their main starter, but the team was ranked near the bottom of the league in overall rushing yards despite Murray going over 1000 yards last season. Simms writes that Arian Foster or Lynch could be potential fits behind Murray for the Raiders.
The Cowboys may want more depth alongside Darren McFadden, while the Dolphins could be a fit if Lamar Miller signs with another team. The Patriots have also been open to veteran running backs over the years and could consider adding Lynch if he is released.
