In classic Marshawn Lynch fashion, the Seattle Seahawks running back announced his retirement. Lynch didn't use any words, instead choosing to tweet a picture of his cleats hanging up in the middle of the Super Bowl.
The retirement of Lynch actually saves the Seahawks a substantial amount of money. Lynch's cap hit was set to be $11.5 million this year and $12.5 million next year. By retiring, that cap hit is wiped off the books. With the extra money, the Seahawks could elect to spend some of it on another running back.
Thomas Rawls is likely set to be the feature running back, but he's coming off a broken ankle and there's always the risk he could be a one-hit wonder. In reality, the Seahawks don't need anyone to replace Lynch because of the presence of Rawls. However, there's nothing wrong with bringing in some competition. Christine Michael, a power back like Rawls, should return as well despite being a restricted free agent. Fred Jackson is a free agent and there's a good chance he won't be back. With that in mind, here are 5 players the Seahawks could target to replace Marshawn Lynch.
5. Doug Martin, Bucs
Martin is an impending free agent, but his fit with the Seahawks is iffy. Paring Martin with Rawls (if the price is right) would be a dangerous 1-2 punch, but Martin wants to stay in Tampa and remain the feature back. If things don't work out with Tampa, perhaps Martin and Seattle is more likely. For now, it's a long-shot.
4. DeMarco Murray, Eagles
The basis for this is Ian Rapoport saying the Cowboys, Raiders and Seahawks could all be interested if Murray is released by the Eagles. That "if released" part is critical, because the Seahawks won't take on Murray's massive (for a running back) contract in a trade. It's also unlikely the Eagles will outright cut Murray this offseason, since they'd lose an extra $5 million against the cap. If Murray is cut, then the Seahawks could very well target Murray. Pairing him with Rawls would be a great combo for the Seahawks, but it's a bit unlikely at the current moment.
3. Kenyan Drake, Alabama
Drake wasn't the feature back at Alabama, as that job belonged to Derrick Henry. However, Drake should be able to carve out a niche in the NFL as the explosive change of pace back. That's something the Seahawks don't have on the roster right now, as both Michael and Rawls are more power backs. With the retirement of Lynch, the Seahawks have the open roster spot to add a player that fits Drake's skill set. For more on the Seahawks, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
2. Bilal Powell, Jets
Much like Drake, Powell fits the change of pace RB the Seahawks don't have. Powell isn't a workhorse back, but he's perfect as a third down option. He paired well with Chris Ivory this season and the Seahawks could try to steal him away from the Jets. A Powell-Rawls combo would be a great one for the Seahawks, but getting him to leave the Jets could be tough.
1. Matt Forte, Bears
Forte has already made it clear he doesn't really care about the money. He just wants to win a Super Bowl, and the Seahawks give him a great chance to do just that. Forte wouldn't need to be the feature back in Seattle like he was in Chicago; the Seahawks could limit his touches to keep him fresh. Forte likely won't be too expensive, which helps Seattle. Expect the Seahawks to at least entertain the idea of landing Forte.
Back to the Seattle Seahawks Newsfeed