Seahawks’ 2015 decision on Marshawn Lynch gets tougher

There was a point not so long ago when it appeared Marshawn Lynch would be with the Seattle Seahawks for 2014, and that was it.

That was the speculation anyway. With two young running backs in Robert Turbin and Christine Michael, Lynch’s $8.5 million cap hit next year, Lynch turning 29 next offseason and the Seahawks reportedly tiring of Lynch’s antics (the latter per ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen last month), it didn’t seem farfetched.

But then you watch Lynch play, and it really seems farfetched that he’s ending the final weeks of his Seahawks career.

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Lynch rushed for 140 yards and four touchdowns against the New York Giants. He looked as fresh and violent as ever. He has 689 yards, a 4.5-yard average and nine touchdowns. More than any other player, he epitomizes the identity of the world champs.

“I would love to play with Marshawn as long as he wants to play football,’’ safety Earl Thomas said, according to the Seattle Times. “I never want him to leave, especially when I’m playing. It’s hard to replace guys like that. They don’t come around very often.”

Lynch rarely speaks to the media, so who knows what his feelings on the subject are, but his status has been a topic of conversation in the Seattle media. Two of the top five most read stories on the Seattle Times’ website on Monday morning, after a 38-17 win over the Giants, concerned Lynch and his future with the Seahawks.

Seattle has decisions to make this offseason with other players whose contracts are up or need to be extended. The Seahawks will have to sign quarterback Russell Wilson to the lucrative extension that can finally be completed. Is it wise to invest $7 million in base salary and roster bonuses into a back who has already surpassed 2,000 career carries (counting postseason)?

The better question, given how Lynch is playing right now, might be: Can the Seahawks afford not to?