Jon Gruden on Marshawn Lynch's Raiders Future: 'We're Counting on Him'

New Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said in an interview with Jerry McDonald of the Mercury News that he hopes running back Marshawn Lynch returns to the team next season.

"I have talked to Marshawn briefly," Gruden said. "We’ll see. We’ll keep everybody posted. Right now, he’s our leading ballcarrier. He’s our back, and we’re counting on him. Hopefully we get an opportunity to work together. That’s a man that has a lot of respect in this league as a player and I certainly have respect for him also."

Gruden noted that NFL rules don't allow for prolonged contact with players during this part of the offseason, though he added that he's talked with several players on the phone, which is allowed, and has bumped into a few players at the team's facilities.

He also spoke highly of the team's core players:

"I think we’ve got a great young quarterback [in Derek Carr]. I think that’s enough to be excited about. I think a lot of our center. I think the quarterback-center (Rodney Hudson) battery is as good as I’ve ever had in football. I’m really excited about the two guards (Kelechi Osemele, Gabe Jackson), obviously. That’s the strength of this team. And Khalil Mack, I think he’s a proven superstar football player. I think the excitement around working with Amari Cooper is just certainly pretty cool. I got to bump into Crabtree. Hopefully we can get the best out of Crabtree and his career."

Gruden added that the team has plenty to address with its roster, however, and noted Oakland has identified a number of free agents it'll pursue.

One position sure to be addressed will be running back. Lynch is still under contract and will make up to $6 million in 2018, with a base salary of $4 million, though none of the contract is guaranteed and the Raiders could cut him without suffering a cap hit. He led the team in 2017 with 207 carries for 891 yards and seven touchdowns.

While his return is uncertain, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reported, "Neither [Lynch's agent Doug] Hendrickson nor team sources are revealing what was discussed in the meetings, but it seems safe to assume that Lynch wants back in, especially considering he is close with new (and former Seahawks) offensive line coach Tom Cable."

Tafur also reported, however, that, "While general manager Reggie McKenzie told me last month he 'loved' the way Lynch ran, others said there were some issues with being on time for meetings and his focus at practice."

Lynch generally seems to be a popular player with teammates, however, and he's currently the team's best option at running back. While the Raiders will only go as far as Carr can take them, Lynch's physical running style offers the team balance.