Report: Marshawn Lynch's playing future could hinge on back issues

While the allure of a big contract may be enough to convince Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch to return next season, his health could be the determining factor. 

Lynch has compressed cartilage in his back that will not heal and could get worse if he continues playing, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Back issues took a toll on Lynch last season, and were the reason he elected to remain on the sideline during halftime of the Seahawks' Week 11 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs while the rest of the team went to the locker room, according to Rapoport. 

Lynch reportedly feared the cold temperatures would cause his back to tighten up and prevent him from playing.

Former Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson, a close friend of Lynch's, confirmed Thursday during an ESPN Radio interview that Lynch is unsure if he wants to play next season. 

"Marshawn is getting to a point in his life where he may want to enjoy other things that are important to him," Robinson said.

Seattle would like Lynch back, though, and has offered him a deal that would pay him more than $10 million next season, Rapoport reports. Under his current contract, which runs through 2015, Lynch is due $7 million next season.