INDIANAPOLIS — It would seem strange for running back Marshawn Lynch to walk away at the top of his game and due a $5 million base salary in 2015, but nothing would surprise Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider.
Former Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson said last week that Lynch is mulling retirement after posting a 280-carry, 1,306-yard, 13-touchdown season. Schneider said he wouldn’t be shocked if Lynch decides to end his career, even though he’s just 28.
“You know, not really.” Schneider said Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He’s a guy that goes to the beat of his own drum. He does what he wants. He would never let you know one way or another. There’s been a lot of great running backs that have just walked away, so I have no idea.”
Lynch wrapped up his eighth NFL season with a 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, when he had 102 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown. Schneider said Lynch hasn’t discussed retirement with the Seahawks.
“No, he hasn’t really,” Schneider said. “He’s the ultimate teammate. The players love him. He’s awesome with everybody in the building. He’d be missed. He hasn’t given us an indication if he would leave or anything. I was asked a question if it would surprise me, and it wouldn’t, just based on the individual. He works his tail off. It’s a hard job he has.”
The Seahawks have 2012 fourth-round selection Robert Turbin and 2013 second-round pick Christine Michael behind Lynch on their running back depth chart, but they’ve made it clear they want Lynch back in Seattle.
“I think everybody needs time away,” Schneider said. “Especially at that position with the way he runs the ball. A little time to hit the reset button. I talk to his people a bunch, his representatives. He knows we want him to play.”
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
