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According to multiple reports, the Raiders are strongly considering the acquisition of retired Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, either through trade or by his release.

"It could really happen," one source familiar with the situation told ESPN on Friday.

KGMZ-FM in San Francisco first reported the development on Thursday and others -- including ESPN, NFL Network and Profootballtalk.com -- are reporting the same.

For now, Oakland would have to trade for Lynch because his NFL rights remain the property of the Seahawks. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, there is no indication the Raiders have contacted the Seahawks yet.

But as ESPN's Adam Schefter and Josina Anderson reminded readers, Seattle GM John Schneider and Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie have a long-standing relationship, as they worked together in the Packers' front office.

In addition, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reminded us there were rumblings that Lynch might come out of retirement in 2016 and, at that time, Seattle had "no intention of letting him go without compensation." Rapoport added that the Raiders tried to trade for Lynch last year and it nearly happened, though the "Beast Mode" back opted to remain retired.

At this point, Seattle could ultimately decide to release him for the sole intent of having him sign with Oakland. Or, as PFT's Mike Florio suggests, the Seahawks could opt to be coy, taking a page from the ongoing effort of the Cowboys to finagle a trade for Tony Romo. Lynch could force the issue by filing with the league office a request to return (it would be granted automatically) and showing up for the offseason program.

That would reinstate his $9 million salary (and cap number) from 2016 onto the Seattle book.

Florio further explained that before letting him go, the Seahawks could ask for a portion of the $5 million in unearned signing bonus money that was paid to Lynch and not pursued after he retired. Or they could simply explain to the Raiders that, because Seattle paid Lynch money for future services that will be rendered elsewhere, the Raiders have even more reason to compensate the Seahawks via trade.

Of course, Lynch must decide whether to resume his NFL career.

But Florio, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports there is a “very good chance” that Lynch will end his one-year retirement.

Playing for his hometown team would be an incentive and could influence a decision.

The Raiders' need is clear after Latavius Murray signed with Minnesota during free agency. Former Viking Adrian Peterson, currently an unrestricted free agent who likes the team's playoff potential, also remains a possibility for Oakland, sources told ESPN.

Remember, however; Lynch is 13 months younger than Peterson and hasn't been hit in over a year.

In his nine-year career, Lynch started 114 games and carried the ball 2,144 times for 9,112 yards and 74 touchdowns (4.3 yards per carry).

Asked last June if he was fine with never playing another down, Lynch said, "Oh yeah, I'm good. I enjoyed my time."

But his retirement came immediately after an arduous 2015 season in which Lynch struggled through a sports hernia. He missed nine regular-season games and one in the playoffs after undergoing surgery to repair the issue on Nov. 25. Lynch had missed just one game the four previous seasons.

Lynch was among the most productive running backs in the league during his time with the Seahawks, who acquired him in a midseason trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2010. During his five seasons in Seattle, Lynch was third in rushing yards (5,774), second in first downs (294) and first in rushing touchdowns. His 51 touchdowns surpassed Peterson's second-place total by six.

One last thought on this for the time being: Whoever serves as Oakland's primary running back this season will be working behind an offensive line that ranked fourth in the NFL, according to ProFootballFocus.com. That's probably as an appealing notion to the running backs in question as it is to fantasy football owners.

Stay tuned.