After the 2017 season concluded, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Marshawn Lynch would not return to the Oakland Raiders in 2018. However, that may not be the case.
According to Lisa Olson of The Athletic, Lynch and Jon Gruden have a “tentatively scheduled” meeting coming up to chew the fat on this topic. Furthermore, Olson reports Lynch as being “intrigued” about playing for Gruden, so it’s going to be very interesting to see where things go from here.
To say that 2017 was a disappointment for Lynch and the Raiders would be a tremendous understatement.
The running back did turn back the clock a few times, showing off his signature “Beast Mode” power and some breakaway speed (like this). Lynch finished the season with 891 yards and seven touchdowns rushing the ball, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
But for the most part, Oakland’s running game was stagnant, as was the entire offense.
But now that Gruden is going to be running the show, there’s some hope that the offense will get back on track. If Lynch is still passionate about playing and can convince Gruden that he’s going to be an asset, then perhaps Beast Mode will return once again.