Marshawn Lynch Would Be A Perfect Fit In Detroit

While the New England Patroits and Seattle Seahawks are preparing for Super Bowl 49, thirty other teams are beginning to plot their strategy for the coming free agency period.  It is this time of year when the foundation is laid for next years championship run.

The Detroit Lions are fortunate enough to have a strong foundation already.  For Martin Mayhew it won’t be about building a team but rather adding a few pieces that can turn a competitive team into a Superbowl contender.

Live Feed

Musket Fire

Already in possession of one of the leagues best defenses, the Lions will need the most help on the offensive side of the ball. Detroit ranked a mediocre 19th in offense during the 2014 regular season. The biggest weakness of the offense this season was their ability to run the ball.  The tandem of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell was largely ineffective for much of the season leading a Lions running game that ranked just 28th.

Some of the blame for the inept running game can be blamed on the offensive line who struggled with injuries during the course of the season.  O-line injuries aside the Detroit Lions also lacked punch from the ball carriers. Although he showed life down the stretch, Reggie Bush was a shadow of his former self in 2014.  Bush managed just 76 rushing attempts for an average of 3.9 yards per carry in an injury ravaged 2014.  His running mate Joique Bell had a nose for the end zone (7 TD) but could only manage 3.9 yards per carry himself. In fact the entire stable of Lions backs failed to average 100 yards a game in 2014.

That kind of performance just won’t work for a team who plans to contend for a Superbowl.  Ironically a possible solution to the Lions rushing issues is playing in Superbowl 49.  After a training camp holdout and rumors that he is unhappy with the organization Marshawn Lynch could be playing his last game in a Seahawks uniform this Sunday.  The Seattle Seahawks may have trouble keeping both Russel Wilson, who is on the verge of signing a monster contract, and Marshawn Lynch.  That could make Beastmode a offseason cap casualty.

Lynch will be just 29 years old next season and seems to be in the prime of his career. Beastmode posted career highs in rushing touchdowns (13) receiving touchdowns (4) and receptions (37) in 2014 while playing in a largely one-dimension Seahawks offense. Still their may be too much water (and money) under the bridge to keep Lynch in Seattle.

If Marshawn Lynch were to become a free agent, he could be the piece that puts the Detroit Lions over the top. Beastmode pulled down $8 million for the Seahawks in 2014.  He could double that number in free agency this offseason. He may be pricey but the high price tag could be well worth it.  And more affordable than you might think.

The NFL Salary cap is estimated to increase to around $140 million dollars.  That is an increase of nearly $7 million dollars.  Combined with contracts coming off the books (Ndamukong Suh) in 2015, the Lions could have around $30 million to spend in the offseason.  They could add a few million more if they get creative. Managed correctly that could be enough to sign Lynch and retain some of the Lions high-profile free agents.

With Calvin Johnson getting older by the reception and Matthew Stafford’s contract nearing an end there may be a small window open in the next couple of seasons for the Lions to appear in the Superbowl. That is of course if Mayhew has the guts to make a few bold moves.  There would be none bolder than finding a way to sign Marshawn Lynch.