Marshawn Lynch was spotted Wednesday at the Oakland Raiders team facility, further fueling rumors that the retired running back was strongly considering making a comeback to the NFL.
It now appears as it’s all but official.
DEVELOPING: Marshawn Lynch told the @RAIDERS he intends to un-retire.
(via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/IiWs77FKWv
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 5, 2017
The news comes as Lynch met at the Raiders facility with coach Jack Del Rio. Rapoport previously reported that if Del Rio signs off on Lynch, it could lead to a comeback.
Lynch’s desire to join his hometown team in Oakland is merely the first stage of the process. The running back’s contract is still held by the Seattle Seahawks, who would have to release Lynch or work out a trade with the Raiders.
It has been confirmed by the NFL that he told the Raiders during his visit he intends to come out of retirement.
Retired RB Marshawn Lynch did, in fact, tell #Raiders he intends to un-retire and play again, I’m told. It’s a long process, tho #BeastMode.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2017
Lynch is still under contract with the Seahawks and will have to be traded or waived before presumably joining the Raiders, the team which he has said is the only one he’d come back to play for.
Lynch’s connection to Oakland is deep, so it’s understandable why the 30-year-old running back would want play for the Raiders.
For Oakland, adding some ‘Beast Mode’ would be a perfect fit. The Raiders lack a power back of Lynch’s caliber losing Latavius Murray in free agency. The running back would compliment the current roster, and with franchise quarterback Derek Carr on pace to return from injury and Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree catching passes, the Raiders would own an offense to make a Super Bowl run.
But can Lynch remain healthy after taking a full year off football? In 2015, the bulldozing back missed nine games due to injury.
There are still several hurdles to leap before Lynch lands in Oakland, but Beast Mode’s desire to return is a big first step.