It’s too soon to say whether Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has played his last game. But Seahawks General Manager John Schneider hopes to find out soon.
Schneider said on 710 ESPN that the Seahawks don’t know if Lynch wants to keep playing, but that the Seahawks hope to have a decision from him soon so they can know whether they need to look elsewhere for help at running back. The Seahawks appear willing to give Lynch a raise in order to get him to play. His current deal calls for a $5 million base salary, plus $2 million in per-game roster bonuses and up to $500,000 in incentives based on rushing yards.
Although Schneider wants a decision soon, he seems to realize he might not get one. According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, Schneider said the Seahawks know a decision from Lynch on playing next season “may not happen overnight.”
At a time when running backs have been devalued across the NFL, Lynch may be more important to his team than any other running back in the league. That’s why the Seahawks are willing to give him his time, and willing to give him more money if that’s what it takes to get him back. But it’s also why the Seahawks are hoping to find out soon if Lynch is going to retire: Replacing Lynch would be a major offseason task.