Marshawn Lynch's Raiders Contract Reportedly Has $7.5 Million in Incentives

While his two-year contract with the Oakland Raiders is worth $9 million, Marshawn Lynch could nearly double that total if he meets the various incentives in the deal.

ESPN.com's Sheil Kapadia reported Lynch could earn $5.5 million in incentives in 2017 and then $2 million more in 2018.

Of course, there's arguably only a small chance Lynch would collect all of that money. For instance, Kapadia reported the 31-year-old running back would receive $250,000 if named the Associated Press' 2017 MVP and then $500,000 if he receives the honor in 2018.

Another incentive—worth $500,000—is contingent on the Raiders making the playoffs as well as Lynch running for at least 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Still, Lynch's representation was smart to at least open the door for the five-time Pro Bowler to receive a nice payout during his return to the NFL.

Similarly, the Raiders were smart to make a large part of Lynch's contract performance-based. He was out for all of 2016 and had a disappointing 2015 season before that. In just seven games for the Seattle Seahawks, Lynch averaged 3.8 yards per carry—tied for the second-lowest total in his career.

Between 2011 and 2014, Lynch carried the ball more times than any other player (1,181), per Pro-Football-Reference.com. Given his age and previous workload, Lynch may no longer be capable of replicating the success he enjoyed in the Pacific Northwest.

Should Lynch be an All-Pro running back again in Oakland, then the terms of his contract will ensure he's paid like one. Should Lynch struggle, the Raiders provided themselves with some financial cover.