Raiders Rumors: Marshawn Lynch, Jon Gruden to Meet, Discuss RB's Future
January 29, 2018
Marshawn Lynch signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Raiders this offseason as he returned to the NFL, but his status for the second season is unclear with new head coach Jon Gruden taking over.
On Sunday, Lisa Olson of The Athletic reported the running back is scheduled to meet with Gruden to discuss his future (h/t Jeff Smith of 247Sports).
Lynch is reportedly "intrigued" by the thought of playing for Gruden.
According to Spotrac, the Raiders have a potential out in the contract for next season that will cost them nothing in dead cap space. Lynch has a $4 million base salary in 2018, and he will earn a $1 million roster bonus March 18.
The Oakland, California, native signed with the Raiders after a year of retirement, hoping to be the missing piece for a deep playoff run in 2017. Unfortunately, the team went from 12-4 in 2016 to 6-10, leading to the firing of head coach Jack Del Rio.
The veteran running back struggled to be a consistent contributor as well. He rushed for 891 yards and seven touchdowns, but his average of 13.8 rushing attempts per game was his lowest since 2010. He also received a one-game suspension for shoving a referee.
With Gruden returning to the sidelines after almost a decade as an announcer, the Raiders could use someone of Lynch's ability to get back into contention.
Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington were unable to prove themselves as full-time options in the backfield, leaving the 31-year-old Lynch as the best option as things stand.