Report: Marshawn Lynch begins reinstatement process

Marshawn Lynch has begun the NFL's reinstatement process, the first step in potentially ending his retirement and returning to the field, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder.

The longtime Seattle Seahawks running back, who quietly walked away from football at the end of the 2015 season, reportedly met with the Oakland Raiders earlier this month to discuss playing for his hometown team.

Any such arrangement would have to come by way of a release or trade, as Seattle still holds his rights. Given the team's relationship with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, though, Seahawks GM John Schneider said last week a move would be made "in a smooth manner."

Lynch has reportedly also expressed interest in the New England Patriots in the event talks with the Raiders break off.

The Seahawks already have Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls, and C.J. Prosise atop the depth chart, and little to no flexibility under the salary cap, so they'd be forced to cut ties with Lynch if he is reinstated.

Should the 30-year-old land with Oakland, an outcome characterized as an expectation over the past few weeks, he'd give the high-powered Raiders offense an incredibly intriguing early-down option to replace free-agent departee Latavius Murray.

Lynch took 111 carries for 417 yards and three touchdowns across seven games during an injury-riddled 2015 season that preceded his retirement.

He'd been the dominant force the NFL was used to seeing just one year prior, earning a fifth Pro Bowl nod after racking up 1,306 rushing yards, 367 receiving yards, and 17 total scores.