The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Friday that Lynch's back issues are chronic and will be a major factor in his decision-making this offseason, according to people close to the star running back.

Diehards Line: Lynch has compressed cartilage in his back, a condition that will not heal and can get worse as a result of Lynch's punishing running style. Lynch's back caused him considerable problems this season. It explains why he made the unusual decision to remain on the sideline while his teammates went to the locker room during halftime of Seattle's loss to the Chiefs in November. The game was played in freezing temperatures and Lynch feared his back would tighten up to the extent that he wouldn't be able to play if he went into the locker room.Rapoport has been told that the Seahawks have offered a deal that will pay him more than $10 million in 2015. In an age when running backs can't get paid, this is an offer that shows Lynch serious respect. But at this point, nobody seems to know what the mercurial running back will do.