The Oakland Raiders are strongly considering the acquisition of retired running back Marshawn Lynch, either through trade or by his release, league sources told ESPN on Friday.
For now, Oakland would have to trade for Lynch because his NFL rights remain the property of the Seahawks, as he has two years remaining on his contract. Seattle general manager John Schneider and Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie have a long-standing relationship, as they worked together in the Packers' front office.
Under terms of his existing contract, Lynch would be in line for a $9 million salary and cap hit in 2017. In 2018, he would be due a base salary of $7 million and could potentially earn an additional $3 million roster bonus.
With Lynch out of football last year, Seattle could ultimately decide to release him for the sole intent of having him sign with Oakland. In that scenario, Lynch would be free to negotiate a new deal with the Raiders.
"It could really happen," one source familiar with the situation said Friday.
Lynch also must decide whether to resume his NFL career, an idea he has considered, according to sources. Playing for his hometown team would be an incentive and could influence a decision.
* EDIT - to change title of thread
Last edited by Boris13c on Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things." George Carlin
Running back Marshawn Lynch has reportedly begun the reinstatement process with an eye toward playing for the Oakland Raiders.
According to ESPN's Ed Werder, it is also a possibility that the Seattle Seahawks could package Lynch and cornerback Richard Sherman together in a trade should they decide to deal Sherman.
Lynch reportedly visited the Raiders' practice facility last week, per Barstool Sports contributor and former NFL punter Pat McAfee.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reported Lynch has shown interest in the New England Patriots as well, but that his primary focus is on joining the Raiders.
"Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things." George Carlin
If all goes according to plan, Marshawn Lynch officially will be a member of the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday.
Lynch's representatives and the Raiders have agreed to terms on a contract, and the team has agreed to acquire his rights via a trade with the Seahawks, multiple sources informed of the negotiations on both sides of the deal said.
The only thing that was standing in the way of the trade was Lynch passing a physical for the Raiders, which he did on Wednesday morning, a source informed of the situation said.
The draft compensation will be a swap of late-round picks in 2018. Seattle gets Oakland's fifth-round pick in exchange for the Seahawks' sixth-round pick, according to someone informed of the agreement.
"Yes Lawd 12th man I'm thankful but [expletive] just got REAL I had hella fun in Seattle," Lynch wrote on Twitter shortly before NFL Network's Omar Ruiz saw him at the Raiders' team facility Wednesday morning. "But I'm really from Oakland doe like really really really from Oakland doe... town bizzness breath on me."
Lynch was slated to be in the Bay Area on Tuesday to meet with the Raiders but didn't catch his flight. He arrived Wednesday after returning from a trip to Haiti, where he and former Seahawks teammates Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett have been touring to help build schools and houses.
As is nearly always the case with Lynch, nothing is done until it's done. All parties involved were wary of celebrating a deal until Lynch sets foot on the mainland and meets with those necessary to complete a deal. But at this point, sources directly involved in the situation are confident it'll get done.
The Raiders and Lynch have, in recent days, agreed to terms on a contract for the 2017 season. After weeks of negotiation, Oakland agreed to pay Lynch a $3 million base, with a chance to make $2 million more if he gains 1,000 yards.
The max value of the contract is $8.5 million.
Why a swap of late-round picks in the future? A source said both teams didn't want any uncertainty surrounding this year's picks so close to the start of the draft.
Lynch is also required -- eventually, but not immediately -- to file papers to unretire.
"Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things." George Carlin
Sign me up for being shocked if a 31 year old running back, fresh off of sitting out a year, doesn't do very well, especially since he wasn't any good when he was 29.
