Beast Mode may be back. Marshawn Lynch has reportedly agreed to terms with the Raiders, joining what was already one of the best offenses in the NFL.
NFL Network’s Michael Silver reported Friday that Marshawn Lynch has agreed to a deal with the Raiders.
Marshawn Lynch has signed with the Raiders. Terms to come. @nflnetwork
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) April 14, 2017
Silver then clarified while the Raiders have agreed to terms on a contract with Lynch, they are still in the midst of working out a trade with Seattle.
Correction: Marshawn Lynch and the Raiders have agreed to terms. Trade with Seahawks still needs to be completed. @nflnetwork (stay tuned)
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) April 14, 2017
Lynch has rushed for 9,112 yards and 79 touchdowns over the course of his career, including four straight seasons of at least 1,200 yards and no less than 11 touchdowns with the Seattle Seahawks. Lynch was dubbed ‘Beast Mode’ for his punishing running style, and has shown to be an eccentric personality both on and off the field.
The Raiders are no strangers to eccentricity, as this move makes a ton of sense for both parties. Lynch will presumably join a Raiders backfield that includes DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, two second-year backs who did a nice job spelling Latavius Murray this past season.
Oakland may be inclined to employ a similar three-back rotation in 2017, as Lynch is slated to turn 31 on April 22. Either way, Lynch should have plenty of open lanes to run through, as the Raiders field one of the best offensive lines in football. The threat of Beast Mode trucking defenders will also help open up the already potent passing game for quarterback Derek Carr.
Whether this move placates the many disappointed Oakland fans who will witness the Raiders move to Las Vegas in 2020 remains to be seen. Either way, Marshawn Lynch makes for a fine addition for a Raiders’ offense that was already one of the best in the league.