Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Seahawks have made RB Marshawn Lynch an offer on a “huge” contract extension that would keep him in Seattle for the foreseeable future.
According to Rapoport, the contract is believed to include over $10 million for the 2015 season, which would be a sizable raise seeing as he’s scheduled to make $5 million next season.
Rapoport adds that the Seahawks now believe that Lynch has outplayed his contract and they would like to reward him for his contributions.
The two sides have reportedly been working a new agreement in recent weeks that could make him the highest-paid running back other than Adrian Peterson based on average salary.
There’s no question that Lynch is an extremely valuable part of the Seahawks offense, but this signals a large change from before the season when there was talk that team could move on without him next year.
The X-factor in all of this is the fact that Lynch could actually call it a career if the Seahawks win another Super Bowl. For what it’s worth, Seattle would pick up $7 million of cap space if Lynch does elect to retire in the coming months.
Lynch, 28, has one year remaining on his four-year, $31 million contract that included $17 million guaranteed. He’ll make a base salary of $5 million next year to go along with his $8.5 million cap figure.
The Seahawks could free up $4.5 million in cap space next year by parting ways with Lynch, according to OverTheCap.com.
This season, Lynch ran for 1,306 yards on 280 carries (4.7 YPC) and has scored 17 total touchdowns over the course of 16 games. Pro Football Focus has Lynch rated as the No. 2 running back in the league.
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