Drama surrounding the possible retirement of Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch turned out to be unfounded, just like head coach Pete Carroll predicted. Friday Lynch and the Seahawks agreed to a contract extension for the 2015 season that will pay the star running back $12 million this season.
The deal extends Lynch for two more seasons past his current contract, locking him up through 2017. Lynch has been absolutely dominant since joining the Seahawks via a trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2010, rushing for 1,200-plus yards for four consecutive seasons and scoring 11-plus touchdowns. Lynch has also become a prolific receiver over the last two seasons, catching 37 passes last year for 367 yards and four scores.
Seahawks cut tight end Zach Miller
The Seahawks freed up some money by cutting Zach Miller, who spent almost all of last season on injured reserve. Miller has been a productive, but not spectacular addition to the Seahawks, singing as a free agent in 2011 after four good years with the Oakland Raiders. Seattle claimed a failed physical led to the release.
Last year Miller played in just three games, catching six passes for 76 yards. His best season in Seattle was 2013 when he caught 33 passes, averaged 11.7 yards per catch and scored five touchdowns.
At just 29, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Miller could be a nice addition to a team as a bargain-priced free agent if he can pass a physical.
Reggie Wayne era ends in Indianapolis
Andy Dwyer will have to pick another favorite Colts player after the team officially let Reggie Wayne know that they will not attempt to re-sign the free agent wide receiver.
Wayne has spent his entire 14-year career with the Colts. Colts owner Jim Irsay addressed the decision in a press release.
“Reggie is one of the greatest men to ever wear the horseshoe, and we have been blessed to watch him play for the past 14 years,” Irsay said. “When he first took the field with us in 2001, we knew this day would eventually arrive. That reality is one of the things that makes pro football such a tough business. We feel this decision is in the best interests of the team and for Reggie as it will allow him to seek a better opportunity for playing time elsewhere if he so chooses.”
Wayne is the all-time Colts franchise leader in games played (211) and victories (143). He’s second in team history with 1,070 receptions, 14,345 receiving yards, 80 touchdowns and 43 100-yard games. Wayne has caught a pass in 134 consecutive games.
Wayne has still not made the decision to return to play in 2015, but if he does, he should find suitors looking for a productive second or third receiver at a bargain rate. Last season after returning from a torn ACL Wayne caught 64 passes for 779 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 12.2 yards per catch.
Jets keep David Harris from becoming a free agent
Linebacker David Harris looked like he was on his way to securing a big deal in free agency with potential suitors in Buffalo, Chicago and Arizona, but instead he gets to cash his giant novelty check early. The New York Jets re-signed Harris Friday with a three-year, $21.5 million contract, with $15 million in guaranteed money.
Harris has recorded 120-plus tackles for three straight seasons. Last season he had 124 tackles along with six sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defended.
“After hearing the plans and vision of (Head) Coach (Todd) Bowles and (GM) Mike Maccagnan, there was no doubt I wanted to return,” Harris said. “Help win a Super Bowl with the Green and White, and retire a Jet.”
LaRon Landry Suspended 10 games
LaRon Landry was already out of work after being cut by the Indianapolis Colts last month, but now he’ll sit out most, if not all, of 2015. Landry has been suspended for 10 games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Landy was suspended four games last year for the same transgression.
Landry played in 11 games last year with the Colts and spent the final game on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. He had 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
