Oakland Raiders: Making decisions on in-house free agents

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushes for yardage during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images) /

RB Marshawn Lynch, Unrestricted

It’s extremely difficult to forecast Lynch’s plans. If the Raiders stay in Oakland for another full season, that may entice him to return on a one-year deal. Based on the fact Beast Mode came out of retirement to don the silver and black jersey for his native area, we can surmise a temporary home other than the Coliseum may not sit right with him.

Lynch averaged 4.3 yards per carry over the last two seasons with the Raiders—that’s a tenth short of his rate with the Seattle Seahawks during his heyday. He’s still the same bruising tailback, who can break tackles and drag a couple of defenders downfield if the referees don’t show mercy and blow the whistle.

Going into his age-33 season, Lynch will also have to feel good about going through the weekly grind. He missed 10 contests because of a groin injury last season. If Beast Mode is in good enough shape to play another year, the Raiders will welcome him back. Head coach Jon Gruden said so in January, per Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Michael Gehlken:

Jon Gruden said he’s unsure if RB Marshawn Lynch plans to continue playing in 2019. If he does, “we’d love to have him back.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 22, 2019

The decision is in Lynch’s hands. It seems like the Raiders are moving closer to an agreement that would keep them in Oakland for the 2019 term and possibly beyond, per San Francisco Chronicle‘s Phil Matier. Another year at the Coliseum and still rushing for 4.3 yards per carry, Beast Mode could be closer to returning than walking out of the door.

Verdict: Re-sign

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