NFL Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Foolish To Offer Marshawn Lynch Massive Contract Extension

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By @MichaelTerrill

Marshawn Lynch

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With the 2015 NFL season the last of running back Marshawn Lynch’s four-year, $31 million contract he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, the organization is trying to figure out a way to keep him around for the long haul.

Of course, the idea of a massive contract extension that will pay him $10 million alone in 2015, which is $5 million more than what he is currently set to make, is a complete 180-degree turn from where they were in the beginning of the season. The Seahawks were reportedly prepared to move on from Lynch after the 2015 season. In fact, they barely budged when he wanted a raise in 2014. Yes, a $1.5 million bump in pay is a lot of money, but not for someone who ran “Beast Mode” all over opponents on Seattle’s way to their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

Regardless if Lynch agrees to the reportedly huge contract offer that will make him a Seahawk for life, it is a foolish move by the organization.

There is no denying the talent and production Lynch brings to the game. He has rushed for more than 1,200 yards in each of the last four seasons. Not to mention, he is clearly everything Seahawks football stands for. Without him, the team would not have the necessary flare and performance to be as successful as they are.

With that said, offering Lynch a staggering amount of money over the course of several years is not a good idea. For starters, he has already stated he could retire if Seattle wins Super Bowl XLIX. Along with that, the soon-to-be 29-year-old has plenty of wear and tear on his body from the 2,000-plus carries over his eight-year career. Plus, the elephant in the room is that Lynch does not get along with the media and supposedly his coaches. His behavior alone is enough reason for the Seahawks to reconsider investing a large amount of money into him.

What it comes down to is if Lynch’s unbelievable production will continue to remain at the level it has for the past several years. Considering the life span of a running back is not long in the NFL, giving Lynch approximately $10 million per year is something that could prevent Seattle from continuing their dominance in the league. This is especially the case if the Seahawks decide to pay several of the team’s other stars.

Lynch’s uncertainty to continue playing, his general attitude and the reality that he will be unable to sustain his current level of production are all reasons the Seahawks will regret giving him a long-term contract extension that will allow him to retire as a member of the team several years down the road.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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