Friday 20 February 2015 21:00, UK
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider has admitted he would not be surprised if star running back Marshawn Lynch retires from the NFL.
Lynch was arguably the best running back in the NFL last year as he accounted 1,673 yards and 17 touchdowns in the regular season.
The 28-year-old was dominant in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots as he racked up 133 yards and a touchdown.
The decision not hand him the ball on the defining play of the game – Malcolm Butler’s interception on second down from the one-yard line – caused a huge outcry.
Lynch is currently scheduled to earn $7m in 2015 and it is thought Seattle are willing to extend his contract beyond that to ensure his guaranteed salary increases next season.
Schneider has been in talks with Lynch’s representatives but has yet to get a definitive answer regarding the player’s intentions.
"Not yet," Schneider told reporters at the NFL Combine. "I think everybody needs some time away, especially at that position and 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."
Schneider admitted it wouldn't shock him to see Lynch, who will turn 29 before the 2015 regular season kicks off, walk away from the game.
"Not really," Schneider said. "He's a guy that kind of just beats to his own drum. He does what he wants and he would never let you know one way or the other.
“There have been a lot of great running backs that have just walked away, so I have no idea."
With free agency starting on March 10, Schneider said the club would "like to know soon" what Lynch's decision might be.
As much as the Seahawks would love to have "Beast Mode" back, Schneider said scenarios are in place should Lynch decide to walk away.
"We'd have to adjust, but we have to do that at every position," Schneider said. "We constantly have models and plans for what's coming and we'd just have to move forward with Plan B."
The Seahawks also have Robert Turbin and Christine Michael in the backfield and Schneider is confident they are capable of assuming greater roles if needed.
“Robert’s a great player because he’s so knowledgeable about the position,” Schneider said.
“He can just step in the game and roll. He has more experience than Christine, but we expect big things from him moving forward.”
