Marshawn Lynch's absences from the Seahawks' offseason workouts are threatening to become more serious, according to reports over the last 24 hours. The Pro Bowl running back, who did not join the team for its White House visit and has not been seen by reporters at OTAs, is not expected to attend the mandatory minicamp starting next Tuesday, Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday.
The sticking point reportedly is his contract, which he signed in 2012 and has two years left. Recently, he has "quietly" asked for a new contract, although there might be more to his potential skipping of minicamp than that.
Over the last few weeks, Lynch has quietly sought a new deal with 2 years left. He’s always stayed away from OTAs. Will he take it further?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 12, 2014The Seahawks' last OTA session is Thursday. Lynch has missed OTAs in past seasons but has never been absent for a mandatory session. According to the Yahoo report, he would be subject to a $69,455 fine should he miss all three days.
Lynch would not be the only star to miss his team's mandatory camp and face fines. Texans veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson, who has spoken of his unhappiness with the team's direction, has not attended OTAs and is a longshot to attend minicamp starting Tuesday.
49ers tight end Vernon Davis skipped OTAs, giving up a $200,000 roster bonus in the process, and while he has said he is focusing on his marketing instead, he reportedly wants a new deal with two seasons left on his current contract. The 49ers' minicamp also begins Tuesday.