Marshawn Lynch is one step closer to returning to professional football. The retired Seattle Seahawks running back visited the Oakland Raiders practice facility Wednesday
Pat McAfee, the former Indianapolis Colts punter turned Barstool Sports contributor, was first to report Lynch meeting with the Raiders.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Seahawks gave Lynch and the Raiders clearance to meet and Lynch told the Raiders he does intend to un-retire.
Ian Rapoport✔@RapSheetOn Marshawn Lynch: My understanding is that meeting with Jack Del Rio is the final hurdle. If the #Raiders coach signs off, dominoes fall.
Lynch, who turns 31 later this month, announced his retirement from professional football on Feb. 7, 2016. This past June he said, “No, I’m done. I’m done. I enjoyed my time playing and now it’s time to watch my cousins do their thing,” when asked by 60 Minutes Sports if he’d consider a comeback.
However, ESPN reported in March the Raiders were considering acquiring Lynch’s rights from the Seahawks. The five-time Pro Bowler is from Oakland and has reportedly always been interested in one day playing for his hometown team.
Lynch was one of the NFL’s top running backs and most popular players for nine seasons. He broke into the league with the Buffalo Bills in 2007 before being traded to the Seahawks in 2010. He amassed 9,112 yards and 74 rushing touchdowns on 2,144 career attempts, while adding 1,979 receiving yards and nine TD receptions.
The Raiders are in the market for a starting running back after Latavius Murray joined the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.