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Oakland Raiders: Predicting the next pieces to fall in offseason of change

By Kevin Saito

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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Marshawn Lynch ($4M)

Now, the Internets have been ablaze recently with Gruden’s comments about Lynch. Specifically, Gruden saying that he is “counting on Lynch” as a sure sign the veteran will be coming back in 2018.

Nothing could be further from the truth at this point.

Take a look at thefull quote for greater context.

"“We’ll see. We’ll keep everybody posted. Right now, he’s our leading ballcarrier. He’s our back, and we’re counting on him. Hopefully we get an opportunity to work together. That’s a man that has a lot of respect in this league as a player and I certainly have respect for him also.”"

Gruden was careful to use a lot of weasel words and leave himself plenty of wiggle room for himself, didn’t he?

Sure, Gruden is probably going to assess whether or not Lynch can contribute to the offense. But, it’s going to be about more than just numbers.

Lynch came on over the last five games of the season, finishing with a respectable almost 900 yards rushing in 2017. And yeah, former offensive coordinator (it still feels nice to say that) Todd Downing didn’t really utilize Lynch properly. Or at all, in some cases.

But, the fact of the matter is that Lynch wasn’t the difference maker some thought he’d be. If we’re being honest, he wasn’t even an upgrade over Latavius Murray, really.

And then, there’s the distraction that is Marshawn Lynch. Whether it’s sitting for the anthem, dancing on the sideline, comforting a member of the other team, or doing any other number of things, there are rumors and rumblings that his teammates grew tired of Lynch’s act.

Gruden is a notoriously no-nonsense kind of guy and isn’t likely going to put up with any sort of distraction or locker room garbage.

But, until he has his plan set and the pieces in place, Gruden is likely going to keep things on an even keel. No sense upsetting the apple cart prematurely, right?

Ultimately, Lynch is probably going to end up going, if for no other reason, than to save the $4 million in cap space.

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