The Marshawn Lynch signing

With the deadline to designate franchise players looming, the Seattle Seahawks were able to reach an agreement with their intended franchise tag recipient Marshawn Lynch on a long-term contract. Early reports are the contract is for four years, 31-Million with 18 million guaranteed. On average, this deal would pay Lynch 7.75 million a year, putting him just slightly above the money that franchised running backs Ray Rice and Matt Forte.

This was important for the Seahawks to get done. Lynch was the engine that ran the Seahawks offense, particularly over the latter half of the season. He recorded six 100+ yard games over the last nine games of the season and scored the only rushing touchdown given up by the 49ers defense all season. Everything the Seahawks want to do offensively run through the running game provided by Marshawn Lynch.

There was the thought that they wouldn’t give this extension because of the value of running backs and because of the history of Marshawn Lynch. His talent has never been a question. Watching him, he is the most willful runner in the NFL. I’ve never seen, in all the tape and highlight reels of older running backs I’ve watched, a runner who will do whatever he needs to gain an extra yard. He almost looks like a combination of Barry Sanders moves and Earl Campbell’s power. If you don’t believe me, look up his run in the 2010 playoff game against the Saints.

To the value of running backs, the simple fact is that running backs have different value to different teams. There are so few quarterbacks who can drag a team along and be consistently successful. Even then, teams that are structured that way almost never win Super Bowls. Yes, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers both won Super Bowls with close to no running game, however neither has won since. Also, while Tom Brady has won three rings, none of them have come since he become the focal point of the offense. Teams that have won multiple Super Bowl titles, in the past and the present, have won with balanced offenses. Marshawn Lynch will give whoever the Seattle quarterback is some flexibility in the offense.

As for Lynch’s history, he was suspended by the NFL back in 2009 for two games for an off-the-field incident. He subsequently lost his job as the starting running back of the Buffalo Bills because of the solid play of Fred Jackson. The following season he was traded to the Seahawks where he didn’t immediately win fans. However, following the thunderous touchdown run against the Saints in the playoffs, he became a fan favorite. He broke out this season, both on and off the field. He showed more maturity during the season and, of course, the “Skittles Beast” was released.

Ultimately this was an important move to make for the Seahawks and they got good value for him. Lynch has found a home that will use to him to the fullest extent and accept him for the willful runner he is. It also allows the Seahawks to focus on other potential free agents and possibly use their franchise tag to hang onto another piece. Keep an eye on Red Bryant, who’s not a tremendous pass rusher, but the Seahawks view him as a key piece to their defense.