3 Potential Destinations for Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch will become an unrestricted free agent in March and has yet to declare whether he will continue his NFL career. Lynch, who turns 33 in April, came out of retirement in 2017 to play for his hometown Oakland Raiders after sitting out the 2016 season.

Here are three ideal free agent destinations for Lynch, assuming the five-time Pro Bowler returns for a 12th season in the NFL.

Oakland Raiders

Returning to the Raiders is a realistic possibility for Lynch. Head coach Jon Gruden said he “would love” to have Lynch back.  And there is certainly reason for the Raiders to re-sign the sturdy tailback.

Before hurting his groin—which sidelined him for the final 10 games of last season—Lynch was carrying the rock with authority and forcing plenty of missed tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, Lynch amassed 23 missed tackles and 311 yards after contact in Weeks 1-6. Among halfbacks with over 50 carries in that time span, Lynch ranked first in forced missed tackles per attempt (0.26) and sixth in yards after contact per attempt (3.46). He gained 72.2 percent of his yards after contact, per Pro Football Focus. Lynch accomplished this despite running behind a dreadful offensive line that was hit hard by injuries.

Marshawn Lynch has yet to decide whether he will continue his NFL career. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Lynch’s age and his inability to stay healthy last year is certainly a concern, but the Raiders’ lack of depth at the position could ultimately pave the way for him to suit up for a third season with the franchise.

New Orleans Saints

Mark Ingram is a free agent and may not return to New Orleans. The versatile Alvin Kamara is now the focal point of the Saints’ rushing attack and Ingram could seek a destination where he can carve out the lead running back role.

If Ingram were to leave in free agency, the Saints would need a replacement to compliment Kamara, who is not an every-down halfback—as evidenced by his 62.61 percent snap count rate in 2018.

Lynch could fit the bill for the Saints, who might be in need of an inside runner. Potentially filling the shoes of Ingram, Lynch would be tasked with goal-line carries and short-yardage situations. He’d be called upon to work in two-back sets in tandem with Kamara and provide solid pass protection.

The only other running back on the Saints’ roster is Dwayne Washington. He rushed for 108 yards in the team’s regular-season finale with the majority of the starters resting, but aside from that has failed to make a significant impact in the league since being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers ranked 29th in rushing last season and need reinforcements at offensive line and perhaps at running back. Ronald Jones, a second-round draft selection, had a disastrous rookie campaign. He was on the field for only eight percent of the Bucs’ offensive plays and struggled in limited opportunities, rushing for a paltry 1.9 yards per attempt. The team’s No. 1 running back, Peyton Barber, managed to log just one game with over 100 yards rushing.

Lynch could be drawn to the rushing-needy Bucs, especially after they inked Bruce Arians to a four-year contract. While Arians is known for having a pass-heavy offense, he is a respected coach that may lure Lynch to Tampa Bay.