Seahawks

Short-Term Extension Could Make Sense For Seahawks & Marshawn Lynch

January 28, 2015

Joel Corry of CBS Sports writes that the Seahawks should consider the idea of signing of RB Marshawn Lynch a short-term contract extension this offseason.

Seattle obviously needs to address the contract of QB Russell Wilson at some point in the near future, and even though they could keep Lynch at his current price and still lock up Wilson, a short-term extension for their running back would leave them in a much better financial position.

Corry mentions that although Lynch will be 29 this year, and is 37th all-time in rushing attempts, he is “seemingly defying the odds of older running backs with significant mileage.”

As things stand right now, Lynch would count $8.5 million against Seattle’s 2015 salary cap. However, Corry points out that the Seahawks could pick up an addition $1 million of cap space in 2015 if they extended Lynch’s contract by two years at the same $7.5 million average salary.

Here’s a simple breakdown of Corry’s proposed extension for Lynch:

2016: Base salary – $4.5M, Roster Bonus – $1M, Prorated Signing Bonus – $2.5M, Cap Figure -$8M
2017: Base salary – $3.5M, Roster Bonus – $2M, Prorated Signing Bonus – $2.5M, Cap Figure -$8M

This would essentially pay Lynch close to the franchise tag figure for running backs next season, lower his 2015 cap number, and give Seattle some options in the coming years in case Lynch sustains an injury.

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 has 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.