Clayton’s Cold Hard Facts: Expecting Lynch to be back

Highlights from Tuesday’s edition of “Cold Hard Facts” with John Clayton on 710 ESPN Seattle:

Expecting Lynch back. The Seahawks have reportedly offered running back Marshawn Lynch a contract extension and are waiting for his decision on whether to accept it. Clayton said he’s thinks that Lynch signing that deal is merely a formality at this point as opposed to a decision he is mulling. Clayton: “I don’t think there’s any worry about it because everybody pretty well knows he’s going to be back, everybody pretty well knows he’s going to make $11 million this year, everyone pretty well knows he’s going to have a cap number around ($6.5 million). So when he signs it, he signs it. That business is not done, but it’s well along the way for getting done.”

Maxwell’s agent change. Clayton called it “baffling” and “stunning” that Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell would change agents so close to the beginning of free agency. He noted how the agent, Jason Chayut, has a strong reputation and also how NFLPA rules prohibit a player who fires his agent from hiring a new one within five days. Depending on when that five-day clock starts (or started), it could complicate Maxwell’s efforts to discuss potential deals with other clubs during the three-day negotiating period that precedes the official start of free agency on March 10. Clayton also shared some information regarding the Seahawks’ efforts to retain Maxwell, saying they won’t let him go without a fight. “I’m hearing that the Seahawks would actually make a pretty good offer for him,” Clayton said, adding that it could be up to $6.5 million a season but not the $8 million or $8.5 million that he might get elsewhere. Clayton last week identified Jacksonville as the likeliest landing spot while also mentioning Philadelphia as a possibility. He said Philadelphia has increased its chances with all the cap space that will be cleared by trading running back LeSean McCoy and releasing some other high-priced veterans.

Jets’ decision on Harvin. As previously noted, one of Seattle’s draft picks will be determined by what the Jets do with wide receiver Percy Harvin. If he’s still on their roster on March 19, the Seahawks will receive a fourth-round pick to complete the midseason trade that sent Harvin to New York. That becomes a sixth-round pick if he’s not, which seems like the more likely scenario considering Harvin is scheduled to make $10.5 million in 2015. Seattle would still get the fourth-round pick if Harvin were to agree to a pay-cut and remain on the Jets’ roster, but Clayton doesn’t see that happening. Clayton: “I think they want him to take a pay-cut. I don’t think he’s going to take a pay-cut. He would rather take his chances on the open market.”

You can listen to the segment here.