Report: Marshawn Lynch has told Raiders of his intention to un-retire and play for them

If Marshawn Lynch wants to play professional football for his hometown of Oakland, this was his last chance. Following weeks of rumors that Lynch was considering retirement and that he would only play for the Raiders, reports emerged on Wednesday that Lynch had met with Oakland officials and made clear his intentions to play for them next season.

It looks as though GM Reggie McKenzie (a friend and former colleague of Seahawks general manager John Schneider) is okay with it and that they are only looking for the OK from head coach Jack Del Rio.

As far as if Seattle would make it difficult for Lynch to return and play for a different team, it looks as though that will be a non-issue. The Seahawks own Lynch’s rights and did not go after bonus money that they could have recouped following his 2016 retirement, but there don’t seem to be any hurdles in Seattle if Lynch does want to return next season and only play for the Raiders.

Seattle could go after a trade with Oakland to try and gain something like a conditional seventh round pick, but then they would not be able to recoup any of the bonus money. Is a conditional seventh round pick worth some money? The Seahawks don’t have any leverage because Lynch carries a $9 million cap hit if he un-retires for Seattle, so they would absolutely just release him outright anyway.

It looks as though it’s only a matter of time before Marshawn Lynch returns to the NFL and dons his all-time favorite uni, getting in one more chance before the Raiders move to Las Vegas (or temporarily, San Antonio, something like that).

Lynch, one of the top five fan favorites in franchise history, rushed for 417 yards on 3.8 yards per carry in 2015, missing nine games due to injury; overall he rushed for 57 touchdowns in 82 games and is the Seahawks’ fourth-leading career rusher and second all-time in rushing touchdowns. He is turning 31 later this month.