After taking one year off, Marshawn Lynch has returned to the gridiron. The running back that has haunted the dreams of NFL safeties and linebackers will return to action for the 2017-2018 season. After coming out of retirement, "Beastmode" has made plans to spend this upcoming season with the Oakland Raiders. Lynch is a California native and he is excited to be home. The Seattle Seahawks decided to give up their rights to the running back which they held since he retired after losing Super XLIX to the New England Patriots.
Lynch could have won the game for his team if he was given the opportunity. The Seahawks decided to pass the ball on the goal line as time expired, which made Lynch an unhappy camper. According to Ian Rapoport, Oakland has agreed to pay Lynch a total of $3 million with a chance to make $2 million more if he gains 1,000 yards.
Welcomed by the captains
When asked by the media, captains Derek Carr and Khalil Mack only had positive things to say about Marshawn Lynch. It is apparent that Lynch has gained the respect of his new teammates because of the physicality he has played with throughout his career.
When asked about Lynch, Khalil Mack admitted that "He is one of the most physical players I have played against." Derek Carr seemed excited to have a new threat in the backfield as well. He told reporters that Lynch is still a great football player and a huge asset to any offense. When asked how he felt about Lynch, Carr smiled and replied, "Who wouldn't want a running back like Lynch in their backfield?" Marshawn has six 1,000 yard rushing seasons under his belt since he debuted in the league in 2007. He also had four seasons with double digit touchdowns. This acquisition comes after Derek Carr threw for almost 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. The Raiders offense will become a threat just like their defense in the wide open AFC west.
Can we wrap him up?
Marshawn Lynch is one of the hardest men to tackle among active running backs in the NFL. The Chiefs, Broncos and the Chargers will have a big task when they go against the Raiders in the weeks to come. After three out of the four teams in the division posted a record over .500, the AFC west is still wide open and the Raiders are in a great position to eliminate the competition. The Raiders had the second best record when they faced division opponents, finishing the year with a 3-3 split. The chiefs swept through the competition with a finish of 6-0. When Oakland lost their star Quarterback Derek Carr due to injury during the playoffs, their offense fizzled out and they were eliminated soon after. With the help of Beastmode, the Raiders will return to their dominant and physical brand of football.