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Marshawn Lynch informs Raiders he plans to play in 2017

By Akash Anavarathan

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rumors continue to swirl around the impending NFL return of Marshawn Lynch, with the latest reports indicating that Lynch has informed the Raiders that he will return to play.

According to Ian Rapaport of NFL Network, Lynch has told the Oakland Raiders that he’ll un-retire and compete with them in 2017.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rapaport had reported that the ex-Seahawks running back was in the Raiders’ building, visiting the facility and meeting with the team.

Rapaport went on to add that the biggest hurdle would be head coach Jack Del Rio, who would have to sign off on the Lynch joining the Raiders. Another hurdle for Lynch playing in Oakland was the Seattle Seahawks. General manager John Schneider would have to OK a trade or release to allow Lynch to join the Raiders.

But with Lynch visiting the Raiders today, it seems like the Seahawks have allowed Lynch to explore all of his options. The Raiders are in the market for a starting running back, with the departure of Latavius Murray earlier in free agency.

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Oakland has running backs DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard and Taiwan Jones currently on the roster, but none can be a featured back in their offense.

Adding the Oakland native to the mix would be great for a Raiders team who’s looking to add more physicality to their backfield.

Lynch last played in the NFL in 2015, where he appeared in seven games for the Seahawks. He racked up nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns in an injury-shortened season.

The 30-year-old has played nine seasons in the NFL so far, between Buffalo and Seattle, rushing for over 9,000 yards and 74 touchdowns.

It’ll be interesting to see how he fares in 2017 with Oakland, after missing all of 2016 and battling injuries the year before that. For a bruising running back like Lynch, the hits add up quickly.

Next: Los Angeles Rams sign John Sullivan

For now, it looks like the Oakland native will be playing for his hometown team this coming season.