NFL Roster News: Contract Rumors Say Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch Could Retire Before 2015-2016 Season
Marshawn Lynch has yet to speak up about his future, creating speculation that the Seattle Seahawks running back is seriously thinking about calling it quits before the 2015 NFL season.
Lynch, who played a big role for the Seahawks in their campaign last season, is reportedly unsure about returning next season due to health reasons after experiencing the wear and tear of playing in the league over the past eight seasons.
The 28-year-old running back, who tallied 1,306 rushing yards during the regular season in 2014, is set to earn $8.5 million in the final year of his contract next season.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports recently reported that the Seahawks and Lynch are nearing a new deal that will pay the superstar $12 million in 2015 and $9 million in 2016.
However, Doug Hendrickson, Lynch's agent, took to Twitter to deny that there is already a deal in place for Lynch to stay with the Seahawks for two more seasons.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider also told reporters that he has no idea on what Lynch is planning to do, but admitted that he will not be surprised if the eight-year veteran eventually decides to retire.
"I mean, he's a guy that kind of just, you know, beat goes to his own drum," Schneider told reporters via SeattlePI. "He does what he wants. He would never let you know one way or the other. There's been a lot of great running backs that have just walked away, so I have no idea."
Former Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson also told reporters earlier this month that he has talked to Lynch and he can confirm that "Beast Mode" is strongly considering retirement.
Robinson also added that even if the Seahawks offer a restructured deal, Lynch could still decide to walk away from the game this offseason because he will consider his health first before money in making his decision.
But for Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, he is still convinced that the five-time Pro Bowl player will return for another season this year, but also admitted that he has not talked to Lynch since their loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX earlier this month.
"We're always preparing for the future with him," Carroll said during the NFL scouting combine last weekend. "We've never thought of the future without him. Hopefully, it will work out."
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