Marshawn Lynch Thinking About His NFL Future During The Offseason, Leaving The Game Might Be The Best Decision

By Jordan Long

The Seattle Seahawks ended last season at 11-5 making the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.  They lost in the divisional round to the Green Bay Packers 28-23.   Seattle is looking to improve the team for the 2020 season.  Their plans may not include running back Marshawn Lynch.    

                Lynch agreed to a 1-year deal with Seattle on December 24^th, 2019.  Seattle dealt with major injuries to their running backs and their depth was lacking.  Chris Carson fractured his hip in week 16 and Rashaad Penny suffered a torn ACL. The only healthy running back was C.J. Prosise.  

Lynch appeared in the final regular season game for Seattle against the San Francisco 49ers. Lynch rushed 12 times for 34 yards, averaging 1.8 yards per carry.  He added 1 touchdown.  Seattle lost the game 26-21, costing them the NFC West Division title. 

                In the Wild Card round against Philadelphia, Lynch didn’t do much on the ground with only 7 yards.  He made his presence felt in the passing game with 3 catches for 25 yards.  Seattle won the game 17-9.  In the Divisional round loss to Green Bay, Lynch totaled 26 rushing yards.

                Lynch is now a free agent.  Seattle hasn’t ruled out him returning for another season.  According to NBCsports.com, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll said, “We’ll see. Never say never. … I’m not going to rush him back to offseason, that’s for sure. That’s never been one of his strengths.”

                Seattle could use him on the team.  Penny may not be ready for training camp dealing with an ACL injury.  It is unclear if he can play in 2020.  It is expected Carson will be healed from his hip injury by then, leaving Prosise and Travis Homer as the only healthy running backs on the depth chart. Adding Lynch again gives them a veteran running back who can not only run the football but protect quarterback Russell Wilson.  His blocking allows Wilson to find an open receiver.

                Lynch will take his time to decide what is best for his future.  It is time for him to retire.  He proved he couldn’t play the game at a high level anymore.  His speed is decreasing and it was hard for defenders to miss tackling him.  Defenses keyed on him and brought him down.

                There is nothing left for him to play for in the NFL. In his career, Lynch rushed for 10,413 yards and 85 touchdowns.  Lynch rarely fumbled with 20 fumbles while losing 11.  Lynch was voted into 5 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl 48 with Seattle.  He will be remembered as one of the top running backs in Seattle history.