The Seattle Seahawks have some major issues heading into 2016, including whether Marshawn Lynch, Bruce Irvin, Russell Okung and Jermaine Kearse will return for next season. Lynch reportedly is considering retirement, while Kearse and Okung could be major targets for teams in free agency.
Lynch and his future in Seattle have been up in the air all season and heading into the winter, there has been some speculation that the running back may retire. Seahawks general manager John Schneider said to the Seattle Times that he is "under the impression" that Lynch is leaning towards retirement this offseason. Lynch dealt with multiple injuries this year and had his worst season overall since coming to Seattle.
Even if Lynch doesn't retire, there is a chance he may not be back with the Seahawks next season anyway. Lynch is going to cost over $11 million on the salary cap and the team could consider releasing him if the sides can't work out a new deal. The team saw Thomas Rawls have a strong season while Lynch was injured and the Seahawks could give him the chance to start if Lynch does not return. Lynch finished the season with 417 rushing yards in seven games and returned for Seattle in the playoffs.
The Seattle Times reports that if Lynch does retire, he may have to pay back some of his signing bonus, which he received last season. Bob Condotta reports that Lynch's $7.5 million signing bonus was going to be spread out over three years, but the report also says that the team is "not expected" to ask for the money back. Either way, Lynch's status in Seattle for next season is very up in the air.
The Seahawks also have other personnel concerns heading into next season, as Bruce Irvin, Russell Okung and Jermaine Kearse are all hitting free agency. Irvin has the chance to return for the Seahawks, as the linebacker told the Seattle Times that he is willing to take a home town discount to stay. While that doesn't mean Irvin will definitely be signed, it makes it more likely that he will stay. Kearse told ESPN that he will not take a discount, although he is interested in staying in Seattle.
Kearse put up career numbers last season and there is a chance Seattle may let him go, as the team now has Tyler Lockett emerging and could push him more on offense if Kearse leaves. Okung appears ready to move on, as Pro Football Talk reports that the offensive lineman has already contacted teams around the league, telling them that he will be having shoulder surgery, but should be ready for next season. Tampering issues aside, it looks like Okung is going to be out of Seattle for next season.
