Someone will have to get Beast Mode's cleats down from the phone wire.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Marshawn Lynch told the Oakland Raiders he intends to un-retire, per a source informed of the situation.
The news comes as Lynch met at the Raiders facility with coach Jack Del Rio. Rapoport previously reported that if Del Rio signs off on Lynch, it could lead to a comeback.
Lynch's desire to join his hometown team in Oakland is merely the first stage of the process. The running back's contract is still held by the Seattle Seahawks, who would have to release Lynch or work out a trade with the Raiders.
Speaking on KIRO-AM in Seattle on Wednesday, Seahawks general manager John Schneider said moving Lynch to Oakland would go "in a smooth manner," due to his relationship with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie, via the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta. Schneider added that Lynch would only want to return to play for the Raiders.
Beast Mode's connection to Oakland is deep, so it's understandable why the 30-year-old running back would want play for the Raiders.
For Oakland, adding Lynch would be a perfect fit. The Raiders lack a power back of Lynch's caliber after letting Latavius Murray walk in free agency. Pairing Lynch with jitterbugs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard would complete Oakland's backfield. With the running back trio, franchise quarterback Derek Carr on pace to return from injury and Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree catching passes, the Raiders would own an offense to make a Super Bowl run.
The caveat to the pairing would be Lynch's ability to remain healthy after taking a year away from the NFL. In 2015, the bulldozing back missed nine games due to injury.
There are still several hurdles to leap before Lynch lands in Oakland, but Beast Mode's desire to return is a big first step.
