Retired running back Marshawn Lynch is mulling an NFL return, but it only would be as a member of the Oakland Raiders, according to reporting over the past few days by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
NFL Network's resident Seahawks whisperer and former Lynch lead blocker Michael Robinson chimed in Monday as well. His knowledge of the situation did nothing to quell the sentiment that this comeback attempt is real.
"I think out of all the rumors of the past few years of Marshawn coming back, I think this is the most real one," Robinson said on NFL Total Access Monday. "Is he a good fit in Oakland? Um, yeah. Absolutely. This guy can run any offense you want, and I'm not just saying that because I played with him. Just put on the film, just look at this guy's body of work. He can play in the shotgun, which the Oakland Raiders do a lot because of their passing game. He can run zone, he can run gap and he catches out of the backfield.
"You look at their roster right now and Latavius Murray is out the door, they don't have a lead back. Not saying it's going to happen -- can't say it right now -- but I'm just saying, just saying, he's a good fit."
Robinson added he "would feel comfortable saying that" this is a Raiders-or-bust proposition for the running back.
At this point, everything checks out and both sides just need to clear through the red tape. Should it happen, it would give Lynch an incredible opportunity to bow out in front of his beloved hometown fans and it would give Oakland a professional-grade power back who will play in front of the best offensive line he's ever been around.
The football world was deprived of Lynch's bloodthirsty running style for far too long. Now that he's had time to let his body heal, everyone, including Robinson, seems ready for Lynch's return.
