Beast Mode-to-Oakland heats up. After meeting with the Raiders last week, retired running back Marshawn Lynch has officially started the reinstatement process. The Seahawks are now expected to trade Lynch to Oakland, and while he doesn’t need to be reinstated for a deal to go through, he would need to formally apply for reinstatement before suiting up. Any trade is contingent on Lynch first working out a new deal with the Raiders, something that the two sides are working on now.
Seahawks drop Richard Sherman price. While Seattle is set to trade one franchise icon, the club could soon send Sherman away, as well. After originally asking for “a very good player” plus a high draft pick in exchange for Sherman, the Seahawks are now looking for a first-round pick in the upcoming draft plus a conditional mid-round choice in 2018. That ask could entice more teams to join the running for Sherman, who so far has only been linked to the Patriots (who are now not expected to deal for him).
Jonathan Hankins finds a home. After sitting on the free agent market for more than a month, Hankins finally landed a three-year, $30MM deal with the Colts. The Giants, notably, were offering only $28MM over a four-year term, making the decision to head to Indianapolis an easy one for Hankins. Hankins had been the top player who still remained unsigned, and now only three of PFR’s top 50 free agents are still on the board: Adrian Peterson, Perry Riley, and Ryan Clady.
Browns still deciding at No. 1? While 84% of PFR readers believe Cleveland will ultimately select edge rusher Myles Garrett with the first overall pick, the club may have not yet made up its mind. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky is still in the conversation to be drafted first, and the Browns are reportedly split between the UNC signal-caller and Garrett, the latter of whom is regarded as 2017’s best overall prospect. Head coach Hue Jackson, for what it’s worth, prefers that Cleveland goes with Garrett.
Pats, 49ers play the RFA game. The Patriots are seemingly more involved in the restricted free agent market than any other club, and this year is no different. Last week, New England hosted division rival running backs Mike Gillislee (Bills) and Damien Williams (Dolphins) in addition to Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn. San Francisco, meanwhile, made an offer to Seahawks offensive tackle Garry Gilliam, and although Gilliam rejected the initial proposal, the two sides are expected to keep talking.
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