Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is reportedly still considering retirement despite coming off a season in which he topped 1,300 rushing yards and scored double-digit touchdowns. The Seahawks won't be able to easily replace Lynch should he decide to ride off into the sunset. He's been one of the most durable and effective running back in the NFL since Seattle traded for him in 2010. But the team could possibly re-design their offense in his absence.
Lynch has many fantastic qualities you look for in a running back, but he is not a home run threat. He doesn't have breakaway speed. C.J. Spiller, for all of his recent struggles, still has elite speed. Could he possibly be brought in to Seattle as a compliment to Lynch or as a possible, albeit lesser, replacement?
"The Seahawks traded away Percy Harvin in the middle of last season, leaving something of a speed void among their offensive skill players, particularly after second-round receiver Paul Richardson subsequently tore his ACL," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "While the team is more likely to address wide receiver than running back this offseason, free agent-to-be C.J. Spiller would be an intriguing add to Seattle from a speed and utilization standpoint. He's a player who might be best-served to find a team that can afford to use him in a non-bellcow role, and his explosiveness in the open field would be a nice boost to Seattle's offense. The Seahawks could use him in some of the same ways it used Harvin, because Spiller is an adept pass-catcher."
Spiller will also be affordable this offseason after he managed just 300 rushing yards and 19 receptions in nine games last season. Although he's far removed from his explosive 2012 season, Spiller is still just 27-years-old and does not have a lot of mileage for a back who has been in the league for six years. He could be a nice offensive addition in the right situation, and that situation could be Seattle.
