Seahawks GM says Marshawn Lynch 'leaning towards retirement'

SEATTLE, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- After one of his worst seasons in the NFL, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is "leaning toward" retirement, according to the team's general manager.

John Schneider was on ESPN 710 Seattle Friday. Among the things Schneider discussed was the future of the All-Pro running back.

"I know we're going to treat him with as much respect as we possibly can here," Schneider said. "Give him a little leeway to find his way in terms of what he wants to do. But I'm under the impression that he's leaning towards retirement."

Lynch turns 30 in April. He played an injury-plagued 2015, appearing in just seven games. Lynch underwent abdominal and sports hernia surgery.

The nine-year pro averaged only 3.8 yards per carry this season, while rookie Thomas Rawls ran for an average of 5.6 yards.

Lynch is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion. He has totaled 1,457 carries, 6,347 yards, 57 rushing touchdowns and eight receiving touchdowns in 82 career games with Seattle.

Earlier this week, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told 710's Liz Mathews, when asked about Lynch's status, that he "didn't know how that's going to go."

Lynch signed a three-year, $31 million deal with the team in March. That deal contains $12 million guaranteed and a $7.5 million signing bonus. For 2015, Lynch was owed $4.5 million and is set to receive $9 million in 2016. Lynch will make $7 million, with $3 million in roster bonuses, in 2017 before becoming a free agent in 2018.

In 2014, a source told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that he "could see Lynch walking away." Rapoport also reported that in 2013, Lynch told two teammates that "he might retire if Seattle won the Super Bowl."