After the Oakland Raiders signed former Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin earlier in the week, it seemed like there was really no room for Marshawn Lynch in the backfield. Two veterans splitting carries on an offense that relies more on the pass didn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense.
But in a clear sign that the Raiders are going to be running the ball more under new head coach Jon Gruden, they’re reportedly going to keep Lynch in the fold.
Marshawn Lynch will remain a member of the #Raiders. Sources say he is receiving his $1M roster bonus on March 18, a clear sign he’ll be their feature back… if there was any question.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2018
Lynch, 31, is set to count $5.9 million against the cap next season. He’s coming off a first year with the Raiders that saw him rack up 1,042 total yards and seven touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Martin has put up just over 1,000 total yards at a pace of less than three yards per rush over the past two seasons. He’s three years removed from totaling 1,673 yards for the Buccaneers.