Marshawn Lynch may very well be interested in playing for the Oakland Raiders in 2017, but if that’s the case it’s news to his agent.
Speaking with KNBR radio, Lynch’s agent Doug Hendrickson revealed he has yet to discuss a return to action in any capacity with his client. In fact, Hendrickson essentially says the entire thing is a media creation.
“Well in all sincerity, Marshawn’s been in Canada,” Hendrickson said, per Kevin Jones. “I’m due to see him this week. So he and I have not spoken about this at all. So it was the media who took the ball and kind ran with it.”
Hendrickson added the caveat that Lynch’s mind changes so fast it won’t shock him to find out he does want to come back.
“He’s one of the most unique guys I’ve ever been with in my life. Marshawn, it wouldn’t shock me in three days if he says, ‘Hey, I want to play.’ It wouldn’t shock me if he says, ‘Nah, I don’t know where this came from. I don’t want to play.’”
One thing that Hedrickson knows for certain at this point is that Lynch does miss the game. But by no means does that mean he will be pushing hard for a return to action in 2017.
“He does miss football, no question. He loves the game of football. He’s 30. But until I meet with him this week, you know, I don’t know what his mindset is. He’s the kind of guy that can shift by the hour.”
We also know that at least a few current Raiders players want Lynch to play with them. Cordarrelle Patterson was pushing hard for Lynch to join him once he signed a deal, and punter Marquette King has been making overtures on Twitter as well.
Because Lynch is technically still a member of the Seattle Seahawks, he won’t be joining the Raiders unless his old team releases him or tries to move him in a trade. He’s set to count $9 million against the cap in 2017 if he does play on his current deal.