Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch signs two-year extension through 2017

The biggest question surrounding Seattle's offseason has finally been answered. Running back Marshawn Lynch has signed a two-year extension that will keep him in a Seahawks uniform through the 2017 season. Lynch, who was entering the final year of his contract, will turn 29 before the 2015 campaign kicks off. He was said by Executive VP/General Manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll to be mulling retirement following Seattle's 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. But Schneider and Carroll expressed they had been working hard to bring Lynch back. Four days before the start of NFL free agency, the pair's efforts paid off, with today's announcement ensuring the team's "Beast Mode" back will play out his ninth NFL season in Seattle."He's the ultimate teammate," Schneider said of Lynch at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. "The players love him. He's awesome with everybody in the building." Lynch has led the Seahawks in rushing through each of the past five seasons and been an instrumental piece in the club's back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. His 17 scores were most in the NFL in 2014, when he set career-highs in rushing touchdowns (13) and receiving touchdowns (4). He racked up 1,306 yards on the ground this past year to help the Seahawks set a franchise record for rushing (2,762). Originally acquired in a mid-season trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2010, Lynch has topped 1,200 yards rushing in the four full seasons he's spent with the Seahawks. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, [no player](https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/573964433820643329 "https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/573964433820643329 Ctrl+Click to follow link") has rushed for more touchdowns (54), yards (5,930), or gained more yards after contact (2,707) than Lynch. He's been the focal point of Seattle's offense and referred to as a "heartbeat" guy by both Schneider and Carroll. "We've never thought of the future without him," Carroll said of Lynch's contract status at the combine. With Friday's news, Carroll and 12s worldwide can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The Seahawks' future includes No. 24. RELATED READ: Oaktown Business - Marshawn Lynch READ: The Truth Behind Marshawn Lynch & Those Skittles READ: Seahawks Part Ways With Zach Miller READ: The Seahawks' 2015 Free Agents - Offense READ: The Seahawks' 2015 Free Agents - Defense WATCH: NFL's Free-Agent Fits WATCH: Who Should Playoff Contenders Pursue? PHOTOS: Seahawks Free Agents - Offense PHOTOS: Seahawks Free Agents - Defense

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch signs two-year extension through 2017

Marshawn Lynch will return to Seattle for his ninth NFL season.