Lynch has privately expressed an interest in returning from retirement to play for the Patriots if talks with the Raiders fail to culminate in a deal, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lynch reportedly told the Raiders recently that he intends to come out of retirement, and according to all accounts, his first choice is to play for his hometown team. However, if the Oakland native is unable to reach terms with the silver and black, a signing with the Patriots would be quite the statement from Lynch. As it stands, New England is said to have an offer on the table to LeGarrette Blount, who led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns for them last season. However, if Blount continues to reject that offer, Lynch represents someone with a similar bruising running style that could fill that void. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen, but this latest report certainly adds another layer of intrigue to Lynch's situation.