Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) reacts during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

If Marshawn Lynch is cut by the Seattle Seahawks, the Atlanta Falcons would be wise to stay well clear.

There is a great deal of speculation surrounding the future of Marshawn Lynch currently. If he is available, the Atlanta Falcons should avoid picking him up.

Per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, Lynch is expected to depart Seattle this offseason:

The Seahawks also are expected to release or look to trade running back Marshawn Lynch, who turns 30 in April. They could save $6.5 million against the salary cap by moving him. “I don’t know how that’s going to go,’’ Carroll said of Lynch. “I don’t know how any of these guys are going to go right now. I don’t know.”

If he becomes available, there will be plenty of speculation that he could be headed to Atlanta. Former NFL quarterback and analyst for Bleacher Report Chris Simms believes he would be a good fit for the Falcons.

But this would be a bad move.

The temptation would certainly be there. Dan Quinn would love to have his former player back. But Lynch isn’t playing at the same “Beast Mode” level we’ve grown accustomed to, and the Seahawks know this.

The Falcons already have two young, talented running backs on the roster in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Freeman broke out in 2015 and needs the opportunity to continue his rise to stardom. Coleman needs to step up next season, but he flashed plenty of potential as a rookie.

If he can take care of his fumbling issue and stay healthy, the Falcons will already have a talented 1-2 punch they can build on in the backfield. Adding Lynch would hinder the development of two young talents.

Lynch struggled to stay healthy in 2015, and he didn’t play particularly well when on the field, rushing for 100 yards in a game just once. With the injuries piling up and his NFL future in doubt, adding Lynch to the 2016 roster would be a classic case of signing a player for what he’s done as opposed to what he will do for you.

Atlanta Falcons, please stay away from Marshawn Lynch.