Will New Contracts for Washington and Lynch Leave Forsett on the Outs?
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A late congratulations to Leon Washington for signing a four-year, 12.5 million dollar contract. Although it’s far less than what he was offered as a Jet prior to his injury, it is still one hell of a comeback. Washington’s speed and great hands will be an exciting addition for a team that finished 31st in rushing last season. I especially like how elusive he is even at high speeds. He has a crafty style and is not afraid to bring a run back inside and pick up extra yards rather than just running out of bounds. Grit with talent. This is a great signing for the Hawks.
An equally late congratulations to Marshwn Lynch who triggered an incentive in his contract bumping him up to 2.14 million. This was a 1 million dollar raise due to the fact that he rushed for over 1000 yards in each of his first 2 seasons. Despite low numbers and a terrible offensive line, Lynch still looked good in Seattle. This will be a contract year for him, however, I can’t see him running any harder than he did last season. In fact, that is my favorite thing about him. I know he didn’t put up huge numbers last year, but you can’t say it was from a lack of effort. Lynch doesn’t run any harder inside the 20 yardline, and he doesn’t seem to be motivated by personal statistics. He runs hard every play and he seemed more than happy sharing the load with Justin Forsett. And then of course there’s, “The Run.” This play alone may be worth the million dollar raise. I just can’t stop watching it.
Seahawks fans should be ecstatic about the backfield going into next year. One question on the minds of many fans, however, is what will happen to Justin Forsett?
Forsett has been a pleasant suprise the past two season. He hasn’t put up huge numbers ( only 2 games with over 100 yards rushing), but he has proven to be a durable back despite his small size playing in every game over the last two seasons. Forsett lacks both the power of Lynch and the speed of Washington, yet he does have one thing that niether of the afore mentioned players have: a managable salary cap number. Remember Forsett was not selected until the 7th round of the draft, and his contract represents that. Forsett is scheduled to make $550,000 next season. I think the Seahawks would have a real hard time finding a runningback of his caliber and experience level for that kind of money. I wouldn’t draft him for my fantasy football team next year, but I would bet he will absolutely make the Hawks’ roster next season.