Carroll: Lynch didn't ask to be reinstated, 'somewhat entertaining' a return

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has spoken to retired running back Marshawn Lynch, but has no indication of his future plans. Carroll made the admission Wednesday at the coaches' breakfast during the NFL annual meetings in Arizona.

Word has circulated that Lynch is contemplating a return to football, possibly to play for his hometown Oakland Raiders.

Carroll added that Lynch did not ask to be reinstated but is "somewhat entertaining" the thought of a return, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times.

The Seahawks still own the rights to Lynch and therefore would either have to work out a trade or release one of the more popular players in franchise history if he is to land with the Raiders.

Lynch has yet to speak publicly on the subject or give any indication he would like to put his cleats back on. Nonetheless, it sounds as though the Seahawks have investigated whether there is any legitimacy to the rumors.