Raiders' slow-playing decision on Marshawn Lynch, likely after NFL draft

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PHOENIX -- Marshawn Lynch isn’t a mortal lock to return to the Raiders next season. There’s certainly interest from both sides in playing another year together, but no reunion has been set.

That isn’t expected until after the NFL draft, as the Raiders continue to weigh options to fill their big void on the roster.

“We have a need at halfback, at feature back,” Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said Tuesday morning at the NFL owners meeting. “We’re going to keep the door open for Marshawn, certainly. We’re going to keep researching his situation and we’ll see what happens.”

There’s some clarity on Lynch’s situation. He is healthy and cleared to play again, after suffering a groin injury in last season’s Week 6 loss to Seattle.

Lynch was his elusive, violent self before the injury, arguably the best Raiders skill player all season. He’ll be 33 next month but has shown an ability to run well at an age where most runners fall off. He could be an asset to the Raiders even if he isn’t getting 20 touches a game. He could be an asset to the Raiders even if they draft a running back of the future relatively high in the NFL draft.

“We’re looking for a three-down back, a guy who can play in any situation,” Gruden said. “That’s a guy who can catch it, pick up blitzes and a guy who can run in the first and the fourth quarter. We’re looking for guys with some durability and versatility. That’s a big thing. They’re hard to find. You have to have a certain size about you. You have to take punishment and deliver punishment. Those are the big things we look for.”

Lynch can do all of those things, and ease the transition to a younger runner. The Raiders expect Jalen Richard back on a second-round restricted free agent contract tender. He’ll have a role. Chris Warren’s an intriguing prospect who shined in the summer before missing the season with a knee issue.

The Raiders sent running backs coach Kirby Wilson to Alabama’s pro day to scout top prospects Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris. The Raiders are turning over every rock looking for stability at the running back spot.

Lynch is a player who can produce and put butts in the seats during a farewell season in Oakland hometown. Lynch is immensely popular in the East Bay for his charitable work, especially with children, and champions Oakland at every turn.

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Owner Mark Davis is a big fan. Jon Gruden always has been. So are many owners of the No. 24 jersey. Bringing Lynch back for one more season in Oakland – I can’t imagine a scenario where he’d be a Las Vegas Raiders – remains an option as the offseason progresses. It just hasn’t been exercised yet.

“The door’s always going to be open for Marshawn Lynch,” Gruden said. “All the doors are always going to be open for him.”

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