Before the Denver Broncos kicked off the 2016 NFL Season at home against the Carolina Panthers, there was a bit of a bombshell. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that retired running back Marshawn Lynch was considering coming out of retirement. He also said that Lynch may return around Week 4 or Week 5 and that it might not be with the Seahawks when all is said and done; he could be cut or traded by the Seahawks up until Week 8 where he would become a free agent.
If Lynch really is going to return, then it makes sense for him to return to a team that provides the perfect fit for both parties. That would mean a team that is going to likely be in the playoffs this season and could use another running back.
5. Oakland Raiders
While the Oakland Raiders might not make the playoffs, they are not far from being a team that could make an appearance in the postseason. Some believe this is the year that the Raiders finally make the playoffs with the amount of talent that hey have on their roster. Add in the fact that the Raiders are Lynch’s hometown team and it could make sense for him to come out of retirement to play for the silver and black.
In Oakland, Lynch would have a fantastic offensive line to run behind and great young weapons around him. With other capable backs on the roster, Lynch wouldn’t have to worry about taking all of the touches. The AFC West is wide open and Lynch could make an impact.
Everyone loves the feel good story of a player returning to his home city. Lynch loves Oakland and they would embrace him immediately. That’s a jersey that would sell with ease in the city.
Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrates after a touchdown with wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have Le’Veon Bell back on their roster by the time Marshawn Lynch returns, but he would be a welcomed addition in Pittsburgh. Adding a bruising, physical back to the Steelers’ roster could go a long way in making them the favorite in the AFC. Imagine a physical AFC North battle with Lynch out there.
He’s exactly the type of back the Steelers could use in January when they want to grind out a win on the ground. He could allow the big play to open up for the other weapons on offense and the Steelers could become the most feared team in the league. It’s a perfect match for the two.
His style of play fits perfectly with the culture of Pittsburgh. Although he might not have much left, a trio of he, Bell and DeAngelo Williams would be arguably the best in the NFL. If he truly wants to play for a contender, then this might be his best option overall.
The Steelers had some issues with other teams taking liberties against their offensive weapons. If Lynch is on the field, there will be no extracurricular activities that are unwarranted against the Steelers.
August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands the football off to running back Eddie Lacy (27) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
3. Green Bay Packers
If there is a team that is primed to tear through the NFL this season, it’s the Green Bay Packers. They have a rather easy schedule and the loss of Teddy Bridgewater in Minnesota has all but made them the favorites in their division. However, if there is a team that might want to take a look at Marshawn Lynch if he returns, it’s Green Bay.
While Eddie Lacy did a great job dropping the pounds, there is always the chance that he doesn’t regain his old form on the field. There should also be the consideration that running backs tend to wear down and adding someone like Lynch would make Green Bay all but the favorites in the NFC. With he and Aaron Rodgers on the field at the same time, the defense’s head will be spinning.
Just imagine a home playoff game in Green Bay in January and teams are tasked with trying to stop Lynch. It’s not going to be a pretty sight for any defensive player that tries to lower the shoulder on him.
It’s a long shot, but Lynch in Green Bay could make some sense. That’s if Green Bay feels like they could use another running back besides Lacy.
Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (58) chasing down New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
2. New England Patriots
Should Lynch make his way to the AFC, you which team would not only be a good fit, but have everyone stirring? Yep, the New England Patriots. Sure, it’s the team Lynch and the Seahawks lost to in Super Bowl XLIX, but they could use a runner like him. The Patriots are basically in a four-week test without Tom Brady because of suspension.
How nice would it be if they got Brady back after his suspension and could eventually add Marshawn Lynch to the offense as well. They are the favorites in the AFC and adding a player like Lynch could go a long way in putting them over the top. The Patriots have a knack for taking former superstars and getting the last of what they have out of them.
In New England, Lynch would be able to run because of Brady keeping defenses honest with the pass. If the Patriots have a home game in the playoffs, they would be tough to top. Seeing the different formations that the Patriots might use Lynch on offense would also be very intriguing.
This is purely a move to make if he would be looking to join on with a contender. However, it’s a fun thought to have when thinking of a great running back being paired with a great quarterback.
Nov 15, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Arizona defeated Seattle, 39-32. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
1. Seattle Seahawks
When it comes to the best choices for Marshawn Lynch if he chooses to return, the Seattle Seahawks are the best choice. Yes, they have Thomas Rawls and drafted a bunch of running backs, but they’re still young and growing. By Adding Lynch, the Seahawks would have someone they could rely on that could carry the team.
There’s also the benefit of adding all of those running backs. The Seahawks could keep Lynch fresh and he wouldn’t have to worry about getting every single touch. Although he’s physically dominant, years of huge hits have taken their toll on him and being able to spread the ball around to other running backs could provide a benefit.
If they could get a healthy Lynch, the Seahawks would have a great shot at getting back to the Super Bowl. It’s clear that if he’s considering ending his retirement, that he’s got his mind on football. A focused Lynch is a scary one.
There’s not a running back that teams hate trying to tackle any month of the year. When January rolls around, the bruising back will be more of a nightmare. At the end of the day, there is no better option for him than to return home.
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