Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has told people close to him he plans to retire, according to league sources.
As unpredictable as some of these decisions can be for many players, it is even more so for the ultra-unpredictable Lynch. But as of now, despite the fact that his teammates still are attempting to change his mind, Lynch's plan is to walk away from the game, something that he has shared with some in the Seahawks' organization.
Lynch, who turns 30 in April, was limited to just 111 carries and 417 yards in the regular season because of a hamstring injury early in the season and abdominal surgery in late November that sidelined him for the final seven regular-season games. He did not play in the Seahawks' NFC wild-card win over the Vikings, and he rushed for just 20 yards on six carries in their divisional-round loss to the Panthers.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Lynch would cost $11.5 million against Seattle's salary cap for the 2016 season if he returns. That's the largest looming cap hit of any running back next season, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
In January, Seahawks general manager John Schneider revealed that Lynch was "leaning toward" retirement, and those feelings have only strengthened.
Since his first full season in Seattle (2011), Lynch leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns (51) and is ranked in the top three in carries, rushing yards and rushing first downs.
It already appears this offseason will be defined by the retirement of several marquee players. Charles Woodson and Justin Tuck already have retired, Calvin Johnson is likely to retire, and there still are pending decisions from great players such as Julius Peppers and Peyton Manning. And as of now, it sounds like Beast Mode is in Shutdown Mode.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.