Raiders pursue retired Lynch
The Oakland Raiders are strongly considering luring retired star running back Marshawn Lynch out of retirement and back home to Oakland, ESPN reported yesterday. Lynch, who is still under contract with the Seahawks, is said to be deciding if he wants to come back to the NFL. If he does, there appears to be mutual interest between Lynch and the Raiders.
Lynch retired after the 2015 season with 9,112 yards in 10 NFL seasons, but the “Beast Mode” could fill the gap in the Raiders’ running attack caused by Latavius Murray’s departure. Murray, the team’s leading rusher the last two seasons, signed with the Vikings.
Lynch began his starstudded football career at Oakland Tech High and Cal before making a name for himself with the Seahawks. His rights are still owned by the Seahawks, who would have to either agree to trade him to the Raiders or release him with the idea he’d sign with Oakland.
Giants ink JPP
The New York Giants are convinced star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is fully healed from a fireworks accident that severely damaged his right hand. The Giants believe that so much that they have given JPP a four-year contract worth about $68 million.
Two summers ago, on July 4, Pierre-Paul’s right hand was severely damaged in a fireworks accident in Florida. He missed the first half of that season, but returned for the final eight games. He started all 12 games he played last year and had a strong finish as the Giants made the playoffs.
The team gave the 28-year-old Pierre-Paul the franchise tag last month for the second time in three years.
New York also re-signed backup quarterback Josh Johnson, and former Jets quarterback Geno Smith agreed to terms with the team as well, according to source said.
McCown to Jets?
Josh McCown might be the answer, in the short term, at least, for the quarterback-needy Jets, as the free agent met with New York yesterday and today, according to a source.
The Jets have just the inexperienced Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg on their roster, and McCown would provide a veteran presence who could start and be a mentor to the youngsters.
McCown, who’ll turn 38 on July 4, played the last two seasons with Cleveland. He appeared in 13 games, throwing for 3,209 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. . . .
The Seahawks are bringing back two of their own free agents, agreeing to terms with tight end Luke Willson and cornerback DeShawn Shead. Shead’s deal is for one year and $1.5 million with $1 million guaranteed. . . .
The Arizona Cardinals re-signed Frostee Rucker to a one-year contract, retaining a veteran presence on the defensive line after losing Calais Campbell in free agency. . . .
The Buffalo Bills signed cornerback Leonard Johnson, running back Joe Banyard and receiver Corey Washington.