PHOENIX -- Former Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has entertained the idea of coming out of retirement to return to the NFL. However, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said on Wednesday that the former All-Pro back has not asked for his reinstatement to the league and remains on the reserve/retired list.
"I know that he is somewhat entertaining the thought of it," Carroll said at the NFC coaches breakfast at the league meetings on Wednesday morning. "I can’t tell you how strong it is."
Carroll said he talked to Lynch around 10 days ago but doesn't think there's much to the idea at this point.
"There’s not much to it," he said." There’s just been a little bit of conversation that’s out there. We had a good chance to visit. He was in really good spirits about 10 days ago."
He was then asked if there's a possibility Lynch could play again for Seattle.
"He's retired," Carroll stated bluntly.
Rumors have swirled over the last week or so that Lynch wants to return to the NFL and play for his hometown Oakland Raiders. There are numerous hurdles that would have to be cleared before that would become a possibility. The first hurdle being if Lynch truly desires to play again in the first place.
If he does, he would have to ask for reinstatement before being traded or released by the Seahawks. Seattle still holds his rights and his reinstatement would also bring the reinstatement of his previous contract, which called for Lynch to earn $9 million. It's a value Seattle will almost certainly be unwilling to pay.
But for all the chatter about Lynch returning, it remains only a figment of the imagination at this point in time.
Photo Credit: SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks stands on the sidelines before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)