Could Marshawn Lynch be suiting up in New England this season for the Patriots?
The New England Patriots have found their name in numerous headlines this offseason. The team has made splashes in free agency and the trade market. Now the Patriots find themselves in the running back market, being mentioned as a suitor for one of the bigger names of the offseason.
Current Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who’s is rumored to be unretiring for the 2017 season, has the Patriots on his short wishlist to play for if talks of joining the Raiders breakdown.
Marshawn Lynch update: He has privately expressed interest in playing for Patriots if talks break off with Raiders. Keep an eye on that.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 10, 2017
This would be an interesting development and something to keep an eye on as Lynch has yet to be fully reinstated off the retirement list.
The Seahawks still own Lynch’s rights, but don’t expect to hold on to the running back after signing Eddie Lacy in free agency. The team also reportedly won’t ask for much compensation from a team looking to acquire Lynch.
The Patriots have been fully invested in the running back market this offseason. The team signed Rex Burkhead in free agency, re-signed Brandon Bolden and most recently had Adrian Peterson in for a visit.
The team also reportedly has a contract on the table for their workhorse of the past two seasons LeGarrette Blount, but according to Jeff Howe, Blount doesn’t seem willing to accept the Patriots deal anytime soon.
LeGarrette Blount update: There isn't one.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 10, 2017
Blount has no plans to sign Pats' proposal, which was made at start of free agency. $$$ talks.
This could potentially pave the way for Lynch to make his way to New England, but it’s hard to imagine the Patriots paying Lynch the $5 million he’s due in 2017 after not meeting Blount’s demands in salary after a season where the running back rushed for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Lynch could be using the Patriots has a leverage pull in talks with the Raiders, so the team knows he’s not just settled on them as a potential comeback.
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It’ll be interesting to see where Lynch winds up in 2017, but the Patriots do interest the veteran.