Marshawn Lynch Reportedly Has Interest in Patriots If Raiders Talks Collapse

Marshawn Lynch would be open to playing for the New England Patriots should a move to the Oakland Raiders fall through, the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reported Monday.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted the Seattle Seahawks still own Lynch's contract rights, so any team interested in the five-time Pro Bowler could have to send compensation to the Seahawks in order to sign him.

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Marshawn Lynch has privately expressed interest in playing for the Patriots if talks fall through with Raiders, per @jeffphowe pic.twitter.com/YnKwSds0Ic

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 10, 2017"

Lynch could be another option for New England should a new deal for LeGarrette Blount fail to surface. CSN New England's Mike Giardi reported the Patriots and Blount have mutual interest in finalizing a new contract but that the two sides have yet to come to terms on an agreement. 

According to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, the Patriots also welcomed Adrian Peterson for a workout last Monday, so the team is casting a wide net in its search for a veteran running back.

Should Lynch return to the league following his retirement after the 2015 season, the Raiders would likely be his next destination.

Like the Patriots, the Raiders have an obvious need for a starting running back after Latavius Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland will have an emotional pull for Lynch, a native of the city.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported last Wednesday that Lynch had a meeting with the Raiders and that head coach Jack Del Rio could be the final hurdle in contract discussions. Should Del Rio approve of the signing, Rapoport tweeted "dominoes fall."

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