Marshawn Lynch to the Oakland Raiders Still in the Works?

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Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) carries the ball defended by Carolina Panthers defensive back Cortland Finnegan (26) in the third quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Not Quite Retired

On Friday, Lynch’s 30th birthday, Mike Florio of NBC’s PFT wrote about his suspicion of Lynch’s retirement. He still hasn’t officially retired after announcing it during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 50. There haven’t been any transactions anywhere that place Lynch on the reserve-retired list.

Florio touched on the possibility that Lynch is delaying his retirement to force the Seahawks’ hand. The Seahawks are against the salary cap so they can’t pay him the money that’s on his contract. The team would have to release him and he could sign with whoever he wants, whenever he wants.

The Oakland Raiders, his favorite childhood team in his hometown, were mentioned once again. And the article mentions Lynch’s camp not saying anything about it, which might be saying plenty. Florio came to the same conclusion I did a while back, which is there is reason to believe there’s still a chance Lynch will play in 2016.

Most great athletes want to go out on their own terms, at least playing through the whole season of their sport. Kobe Bryant just did it with the Los Angeles Lakers and Lynch has more left in the tank than he did. He’s just not going to take less money from an organization he brought a Championship to (should have been two).

Next: More Evidence

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