It appears as though Marshawn Lynch, a.k.a. “Beast Mode”, will be returning to the football field in 2017.

First reported by former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee(who is now with Barstool Sports), the retired Seattle Seahawks running back visited the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday, and according to a source of ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a deal between Lynch and the team will eventually happen. 

This is not a typical situation, however.

First, Lynch has to formally un-retire.

Secondly, he’s still under contract with the Seahawks if he decides to come back. Since they will retain his rights, they will have to either release him or trade him to Oakland for Lynch to end up there.

But, it sounds like Seahawks general manager John Schneider will grant Lynch his wish to play for his hometown team. Speaking with 710 ESPN Seattle on Wednesday, he confirmed that he had been in touch with the Raiders regarding the running back in recent days.

"I have a great relationship with Reggie McKenzie, who is the general manager of the Raiders. I shared an office with him for probably eight years [with the Green Bay Packers]. We've had dialogue about it," Schneider said.

Further, the Seahawks granted permission for the star to meet with the Raiders, according to ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia.

Schneider continued, "Marshawn is trying to figure things out, the Raiders are trying to figure things out. My understanding is that if he would want to come back and play, that it would be for the Raiders and that'd be about it."

The general manager added that it’ll be a smooth process for both the Seahawks and Lynch, due to their mutual respect and strong relationship.

The 30-year-old Lynch has rushed for 9,112 yards and 74 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons for the Buffalo Bills and Seahawks.

Not only are the Raiders Lynch’s hometown team, but they’re also in need of a lead back. After letting Latavius Murray leave in free agency, the team is left with Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington at the position, who both project as shifty speed threats but who also are both below-average in size, at just 5’8” each.

Therefore, a big, bruising force on first and second downs in particular is needed. Enter Beast Mode.

Via Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, here’s how the logistics will work out:

“Should Lynch come out of retirement, he is in line for a salary-cap hit of $9 million in 2017 and a base salary of $7 million in 2018. The Raiders are unlikely to part with draft picks for Lynch in a trade or to take on that salary. Oakland currently has just over $27.6 million in cap space and wants to extend quarterback Derek Carr, edge rusher Khalil Mack and right guard Gabe Jackson.”

Therefore, the Raiders would clearly prefer that Lynch is cut so that they can discuss a new, cheaper deal with him. Also, holding onto draft picks would be optimal.

As one of the most widely-loved NFL players, it will be a joy watching Lynch run over defenders on a weekly basis yet again for a team that will likely contend for a Super Bowl.