Seahawks reportedly have offered Marshawn Lynch a ‘huge contract extension’

In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was talking about keeping his team’s nucleus intact, and the first name he mentioned when rattling off a list of players was running back Marshawn Lynch.

It appears naming Lynch first wasn’t coincidental, and that the Seahawks are serious about keeping their star running back beyond this season, because according to NFL.com, Seattle has offered Lynch a “huge contract extension” that would pay him more than $10 million in 2015.

Other details of the contract aren’t given in the report, the number of years included, so there’s no way of knowing what kind of cap ramifications the deal would have, but assuming it contains multiple years, or if much of that $10 million is in the form of a signing bonus—bonuses are prorated over the life of the contract for salary cap purposes—the Seahawks could have to deal with future cap ramifications considering Lynch’s age.

But according to the report from Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks are willing to spend big on an aging back because he “has outplayed his contract,” and “they want to reward him for his work.”

Lynch’s current contract runs through the 2015 season, paying Lynch $5 million in base salary, plus a $2 million roster bonus for next season, with another $500,000 possible in performance-based bonuses.

Lynch getting a big raise for his 29-year-old season is rather dramatic change from last summer and even the middle part of the season, when the assumption was that the Seahawks might balk at paying a back Lynch’s age what was left on his contract, let alone give him a raise. There were also reports midseason of the Seahawks being fed up with Lynch’s behavior, but those have always been strongly refuted by Carroll and general manager John Schneider. But whether there were issues or not, and regardless of the fact that Lynch is nearing the age where running backs tend to see their production decline, it’s impossible to deny that he was massively important to Seattle’s offense this season, having arguably his best season at an age when it was reasonable to wonder if he might start slowing down, rushing for 1,306 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, while also establishing a career high with 367 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.

“He means everything to this offense,” receiver Doug Baldwin said Wednesday. “I don’t know where we would be without Marshawn Lynch. He is the engine. He is the heart and soul of this offense. Everything runs through him. Despite what everyone wants to think, Marshawn Lynch is this offense.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.