The Raiders signed veteran running back Doug Martin on Thursday, prompting many to believe the move meant the end of Marshawn Lynch's time in Oakland.
But as it has been expected, Martin is just another piece to go along with Lynch in the Raiders' backfield. According to multiple national reports, Lynch will remain in Silver and Black this upcoming season.
The news will become official when the Raiders pay Lynch his $1 million roster bonus on Sunday.
Gruden (at the combine): "I'm counting on him being a big part of this football team." .... Staff (OL coach Tom Cable, especially) wanted him back https://t.co/kS4pp9HMtD— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) March 17, 2018
Marshawn Lynch will remain a member of the #Raiders. Sources say he is receiving his $1M roster bonus on March 18, a clear sign he'll be their feature back… if there was any question.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2018
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Yes, Doug Martin is coming to Oakland... but the Raiders have no plans to part ways with Marshawn Lynch. Carry on.— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 15, 2018
"One of the reasons I'm excited to be with the Raiders is to join forces with Lynch. We'll see what happens," Jon Gruden told Insider Scott Bair at the NFL Scouting Combine. "We have to take a look at the entire roster, but I'm counting on him. I'm counting on him being a big part of this football team."
Lynch, 31, rushed for 891 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and scored seven touchdowns for the Raiders in 2017.