Marshawn Lynch is still on the fence about unretiring, even after talking to Pete Carroll.
The Seattle Seahawks head coach said on Wednesday he met with his former running back about coming out of retirement after a year away from the NFL. Carroll spoke with reporters and revealed he met with Lynch recently and said he’s considering a comeback.
“He came through the office and had a good visit,” Carroll said to reporters on Wednesday. “I know that he is somewhat entertaining the thought of it. I can’t tell you how strong it is. You’ve got to talk to him. And that chance isn’t happening.”
It’s funny Carroll alludes to Lynch’s aversion to the press, as it may be a factor in whether he comes back or not. Is Lynch really interested in coming back to the football world and dealing with reporters? Is he ready for the daily and weekly grind again? Carroll said he isn’t even sure Lynch could be effective after a year away.
“I don’t know,” Carroll said. “It depends on how he’s approached this offseason. He looked OK. The mentality that it takes to play this game the way he plays this game, he has to really be invested and ready because he goes deep when he plays. Whether or not that’s still in him, the burn is still there, I couldn’t tell that from talking to him. I know that he was playing with the idea.”
There’s no question Lynch has enjoyed his time away from football, but the 30-year-old still has a love of the game. After all, you can only travel the world and do some odd jobs for so long until you get bored.
Lynch’s rumored destination has been his hometown Oakland Raiders, though no one knows how his decision will be impacted by the team’s decision to move to Las Vegas.
If Lynch does come back, the Seahawks would ultimately decide his fate either by trading or releasing him. When asked what the Seahawks would do with Lynch if he announced his return, Carroll was less than forthcoming.
“He’s retired,” Carroll said.
You know, for now.
