Matt Forte and Marshawn Lynch are both All-Pro running backs who will be 30 at the start of next season and may be looking for new contracts. That’s about where the similarities end.
After the Seahawks lost their playoff game against Carolina, rumors have been flying that Lynch has played his last game in a Seattle uniform. If the Seahawks do cut the star running back, he may find himself in an offseason battle with Forte in hopes of finding the best new home.
#Seahawks HC Carroll admits that he is "unsure" if RB M. Lynch will be back w/ team in '16. I reported earlier team could trade/release him.
— Doug Moore (@DMooreNFL) January 19, 2016
Lynch made $3 million more than Forte this past season. According to Spotrac, Forte is expected to be worth roughly a $7.4 million average annual salary in his next contract.
While both running backs struggled with injuries this year, the difference between the two may come from how they are perceived. There is no questioning Lynch’s on-field production, but he has also caused a number of headaches for the Seahawks on very public stages over the last few years.
Forte, on the other hand, is known throughout the league for being a “pro’s pro.” His offseason individual workouts rival that of any team-run training.
The two running backs both have different styles of play. Lynch has developed his alter-ego Beast Mode with bruising runs. Forte, also a strong runner, is just as valuable as a pass catcher out of the backfield or split out wide.
Finding their next home could come down to just finding the right offensive scheme. But if Lynch is released, he and Forte will certainly be the free agent headliners for their position.
