NFL Free Agents 2012: Long-Term Marshawn Lynch Deal Bad for Seahawks

There are some decisions to be made in Seattle. Following a 7-9 season which gave Seahawks fans hope for the future, it appears they are just a few pieces away from contending in the NFC.

Quarterback is one of the pieces Seattle needs to improve if they wish to return the their NFC West dominance of the 2000s. Tarvaris Jackson played well, but surely he isn't the right fit going forward. The draft is coming up and if the right QB isn't there they will need to pick one up via trade or free agency.

After quarterback, the next issue for the Seahawks front office is what do to with free-agent running back Marshawn Lynch. The former Bills ball carrier made an impact right away in Seattle, scoring six rushing touchdowns in 12 games for the Seahawks in 2010, and contributing the unforgettable 67-yard game-winning score against the Saints in the playoffs.

Lynch was even better in 2011, totaling career highs in carries, rushing yards, yards per carry and touchdowns on his way to six 100-yard rushing games.

The 2011 campaign was nothing short of spectacular for Lynch, and Seattle would lose their most valuable offensive player if they fail to re-sign him. After that type of season, Lynch will most likely be asking for a long-term deal worth much more than the $19 million he signed for with Buffalo in 2007.

There is no question the Seahawks need Lynch back, but a long-term contract isn't the answer. 

Age

Lynch will be 26 in April—not an old NFL running back by any means, but in a couple years he will be. Former Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander improved every year until he was 28, when he had by far his best season and one of the best ever by a running back. The next season and the two subsequent years were huge drop-offs, as Alexander suffered injuries that his highly used body couldn't recover from.

Lynch has already racked up 1,137 carries. Alexander reached that mark in the middle of the season in which he was 27, leaving him one huge season before falling off. Even the great LaDainian Tomlinson suffered a statistical decline once he reached 29. Seattle would be better off either slapping Lynch with the franchise tag or signing him to a modest three-year deal.

Off-field issues

Lynch has had his share of non-football related incidents, and the Seahawks shouldn't sign him long-term at the risk of suspension or jail time. The last thing Seattle fans want is for their star player to be paid to get into trouble.

He hasn't had any run-ins with the law since 2009 and has matured, but off-field issues could be a problem in the long run.

Desire for larger market

A player with Lynch's talent will want to be paid top dollar for a top team in the league. Depending on how Seattle fares in upcoming seasons, he could demand a trade or hold out for more money. If Seattle re-signs Lynch to a long-term deal, they could have two low-caliber backup running backs on their roster, which wouldn't leave any room for Lynch to get hurt or worse, hold out or demand a trade.

If they can sign him to a two- or three-year deal, they could take a running back in the draft who would be ready to step in and start by the time Lynch's contract expires.

No "contract year" season

Throughout professional sports players tend to perform better in the final year of their contracts, in determination to sign a long-term contract worth the big bucks. Lynch's contact expired after the 2011 season, the best of his career.

A five- or six-year deal would mean he would be stuck in Seattle and wouldn't have a chance to impress other teams in the league during the final year of his contract for quite some time. There is the possibility that Lynch could lose motivation to play to his full capability, especially if the Seahawks struggle.

Risk of release

If Lynch gets hurt or doesn't bring it on the field, the Seahawks could be forced to release him if no teams express interest in a trade.