MARSHAWN LYNCH IS not expected to return to the Seattle Seahawks in 2016, but he may not play in the NFL at all next season.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider told ESPN 710 radio in Seattle on Friday that he is not optimistic about the star running back’s return and was “under the impression he is leaning towards retirement.”
Lynch, who turns 30 in April, battled numerous injuries and missed multiple games this season.
He finished the regular season with 417 yards on 111 carries and three touchdowns, adding 20 yards on six carries in Sunday’s NFC divisional loss to the Carolina Panthers.
His performance this season was a significant drop after averaging 295 carries a year and rushing for more than 1,200 yards while recording at least 11 touchdowns in four straight seasons for the Seahawks from 2011-14.
Lynch signed a two-year contract extension worth $24 million before this season. If he opts for retirement, he would owe the Seahawks $5 million in bonuses. However, Seattle can save salary cap space by releasing the veteran, who is due $9 million from the Seahawks next season.
On a positive note, Schneider confirmed that tight end Jimmy Graham will be back with the Seahawks next season.
