If Marshawn Lynch had been lacking leverage in his quiet quest for a new contract, he may have found some. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday on NFL Total Access, via a source close to Lynch, that the running back told two teammates during the 2013 season that he would consider retiring if the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII.
Asked by Rapoport if Lynch would seriously contemplate retirement now that Seattle has a Lombardi Trophy, the source replied, “He could. I could see him walking away.” Lynch is a different cat. Having saved his money, it’s quite possible he could stand his ground. … Team sources have explained to Rapoport that they have added [Christine Michael and Robert Turbin] in the draft over the past few years because Lynch’s actions are so unpredictable.
While Lynch could very much retire, many sources around the league believe he’s just using the rumor as a bargaining chip for a new contract.
