Marshawn Lynch may be headed for IR, but the latest rumors suggest Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders are interested in bringing him back next season.
At this point, it’s unclear what the future holds for Marshawn Lynch.
However, based on recent rumors, there’s at least a decent chance Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders re-sign him this upcoming offseason.
That is, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo:
Mentioned on @NFLTotalAccess last night Gruden has already told Marshawn Lynch he’d be interested in having him back in 2019. But Lynch is a free agent and, as Jordan noted here, still aiming to come back later this season. So no decisions on ‘19 yet. We’ll see. https://t.co/GCgYYW8oBd
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 24, 2018
As mentioned, though, there’s still a chance that Lynch makes it back to the field this season after undergoing groin surgery last week. The veteran running back was having another solid season for the Silver and Black, and is hoping to pick up where he left off before the 2018 campaign comes to a close.
At that point, though, will the Raiders even want him back on the field?
Oakland is in the midst of an awful season (Week 8 isn’t looking good either), with Gruden’s unorthodox approach to roster building costing them severely in the competitiveness department. He’s already traded away a couple of key players in Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, and has broken the spirit of Derek Carr. At 1-5, the Raiders might as well throw in the towel and tank for the No. 1 overall pick.
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Plus, it’s not like they don’t have capable replacement options at running back.
Doug Martin figures to take over as the early-down back, while Jalen Richard will continue to serve as the passing-down specialist. DeAndre Washington is also on the roster, meaning the Raiders are more than covered at running back. Lynch would assume the starting gig if he were to return, but it seems unnecessary considering the current direction of the season.
So why not let the 32-year-old un-retired runner rest and bring him back for a swan song season in 2019? Well I’m not sure about the “rest” part, but that appears to be at least partially what Gruden has in mind.
Next year may be the last year the Raiders can convince Lynch to play anyway. Although it’s still undecided where the team will be playing in 2019, chances are they’ll end up staying in Oakland until their new Las Vegas stadium is ready in 2020. As a Bay Area native, Lynch likely isn’t interested in making the move to Sin City.
It’s also worth considering whether or not Lynch even wants to stay aboard this sinking ship. The Raiders have been one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, with their only win coming in an overtime defeat of the Cleveland Browns. The alleged questioning of Gruden’s accountability by players (via the Athletic’s Vic Tafur) probably won’t make the decision any easier for Lynch when the time comes.
Either way, it’s mildly surprising Gruden is even entertaining the idea. He’s been cleaning house left and right, with several other players allegedly on the block ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Then again, the old ball coach does seem to have a soft spot for aging, past-their-prime veterans.
If the Raiders can re-sign him for cheaper than the $6 million they’re currently paying him, don’t be surprised to see Lynch return in 2019. It may be your last chance to see Beast Mode don the Silver and Black.