Next step to a return? Marshawn Lynch visits Raiders facilities
The Oakland Raiders haven’t been in hot pursuit of any free-agent running backs this offseason, despite what appears to be a need at the position.
Perhaps they figure Marshawn Lynch will join them at some point.
The retired Seattle Seahawks great visited the Raiders’ facilities on Wednesday, former Indianapolis Colts punter and current Barstool Sports personality Pat McAfee first reported. Bill Williamson of All22.com said according to a league source the Seahawks granted permission for the visit – they still hold Lynch’s rights – which probably shows the Seahawks are not going to stand in the way of Lynch’s return. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that Lynch told the Raiders he’d like to play again.
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If we assume the Seahawks and Raiders could work something out (or the Seahawks cut Lynch), the Raiders and Lynch are a fun fit. The Raiders are on the verge of being perhaps the strongest contender to the New England Patriots in the AFC, and Lynch could be an important part of that. It’s also worth noting that, as questions are raised about Adrian Peterson and what he has left, the same questions should apply to Lynch. Lynch will be 31 next season, has taken a year off and he was uncharacteristically hurt and mostly ineffective in his last Seahawks season. Even if Lynch does come back to the Raiders, it’s far from a guarantee he’ll be the dominating back we all remember.
It would be an all-time great story if Lynch comes out of retirement to help lead his hometown Raiders to a Super Bowl shortly before they move to Las Vegas. Wednesday’s visit looks like a significant step toward Lynch’s return becoming a reality.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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