Marshawn Lynch took offer from May

ByTerry Blount ESPN logo
Friday, August 1, 2014

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch wanted $5 million more this season than the concessions he received on his contract before ending his eight-day holdout Thursday, sources confirmed Friday.



The additional $1.5 million Lynch was given, bumping his guaranteed compensation from $5 million to $6.5 million this season, was offered to Lynch in May after he first made team officials aware that he wanted more money. The offer never changed.



Lynch also was told earlier this week that fines for the time he missed in training camp would be imposed if he did not report by the end of the week.



The running back had accumulated nearly $500,000 in team fines for his absence through Thursday. A team source said Friday that whether Lynch must pay that fine remains unresolved. A source close to Lynch, however, said Thursday that the running back would not have to pay it.



As for his contract, no money was added to Lynch's four-year, $30 million deal, which has two years remaining. His base salary this season was increased by $1 million by moving incentives to guaranteed money -- $500,000 in pregame roster bonuses and $500,000 if he rushes for 1,500 yards. The Seahawks also moved $500,000 of his 2015 base salary to this season.



He basically wanted all of his 2015 salary ($5.5 million) up front in 2014, something the Seahawks had no intention of giving him.



Lynch realizes there's a good possibility he could be released after this season for salary-cap reasons. The question now is what his attitude will be once he gets on the field. He watched the light practice the team had Friday leading into Saturday's mock game scrimmage. It's unlikely Lynch will participate in the scrimmage.



"If he's angry, maybe he'll run angry," Seahawks running backs coach Sherman Smith said. "But it's good to have him back. He brings toughness to our team. We look forward to getting him ready for the Thursday night [regular-season opener] against Green Bay."



Information from ESPN.com NFL reporter Adam Caplan was used in this report.



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