Marshawn Lynch comeback just got one step closer to reality.
The heralded power back met with head coach Jack Del Rio at the team's facility Wednesday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. If Del Rio signs off on Lynch, all of the red tape blocking Lynch's comeback could start to come undone.
The 30-year-old's contract is still held by Seattle, which means the Seahawks would have to release Lynch or the Raiders would have to trade for him. According to Rapoport, Wednesday's meeting was cleared by the Seahawks. The Raiders thought of it as a "fact-finding mission" on the enigmatic, five-time Pro Bowler, who has not played in a game since Jan. 17, 2016.
At this point in the process, it would be hard to see the Lynch-to-Oakland train slowing down. For the Raiders to request permission and set up a meeting in Del Rio's office, it means they are likely quite far along in the process. Now, it remains a question of what they would give up -- or what Seattle would ask for -- to seal the deal.
The Raiders let Latavius Murray walk in free agency this year and have yet to dial up Adrian Peterson, which might signify that they have something up their sleeve. Lynch would be the perfect ambassador for the Raiders as they shift from Oakland to Las Vegas and could serve as an ideal mentor to a young running back corps led by 2016 fifth-round pick DeAndre Washington.
This would also be the best offensive line Lynch has worked behind thus far. Over Lynch's last four seasons as a full-time starter he rushed for at least 1,200 yards and 10-plus touchdowns every year. His last season -- seven starts -- produced 417 yards and three touchdowns.
While Lynch could always change his mind (his agent, Doug Hendrickson, said as much in an interview late last month) it looks like fans of punishing runs might have gotten their Michael Jordan back for at least one more year.
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