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.
A look back at some of the best images of RB Marshawn Lynch from the 2014 NFC Championship season.
Running back Marshawn Lynch ran onto the field at the conclusion of the national anthem, and shyly asked singer India.Arie, "may I shake your hand?". She obliged.
On game day, Marshawn Lynch donned his training mask during a pregame walk around the stadium.
Marshawn Lynch cuts back against the Washington defense.
Running backs Robert Turbin and Marshawn Lynch stay loose before kickoff.
Marshawn Lynch was limited in both carries and yards in the defeat to the Cowboys.
So. Beastly. Marshawn Lynch stands tall after his fourth rushing touchdown of the afternoon, this one a 16-yard scamper up the middle to give the Seahawks a 31-17 advantage in the fourth quarter.
Running back Marshawn Lynch talks to young receivers Ricardo Lockette and Paul Richardson on the Seahawks sideline just before kickoff.
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was still running after the final whistle and dodged a photographer rushing the field as he made his way to the locker room.
In the locker room postgame, running back Marshawn Lynch talks to quarterbacks coach Carl Smith before heading out.
Seattle tried to establish its running game early, and Marshawn Lynch found a hole to cut back to for a 21-yard gain on the Seahawks opening drive.
At 1:45 pm on Wednesday, running back Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman chat as they make their way to the team buses at VMAC for the trip to the airport for the Thanksgiving Day game against the 49ers.
A quick lean to the left to keep the defenders off balance and it's off to the end zone for Marshawn Lynch as he finishes off an amazing 79-yard touchdown run.
Marshawn Lynch continued his beastly ways, carrying half-dozen Packers on his way to a first down as Seattle's offensive linemen provide an extra push from behind.
Seattle marched down the field and Marshawn Lynch used blocks by Doug Baldwin and Ricardo Lockette downfield to score on a 24-yard run to give the Seahawks a 20-19 lead.
Ricardo Lockette and J.R. Sneezy come to celebrate after Marshawn Lynch scored on a 24 yard run. The scoreboard clock reflects 1:25 left in regulation and the score has not yet been changed to reflect Seattle's 20-19 lead.
Ricardo Lockette and the official signal touchdown as Marshawn Lynch is congratulated on his touchdown run. The scoreboard clock reflects 1:25 left in regulation.
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Running back Marshawn Lynch rumbles into the open field during the third quarter. Lynch ran for 102 yards during the game.
Media photographers were allowed near midfield during warmups and made the most of their proximity to running back Marshawn Lynch.
After New England regained the lead in the fourth quarter, Seattle began a furious rally ignited with a 31-yard reception by Marshawn Lynch to near midfield at the two-minute warning.
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch boards Bus #2 in his matching gold headphones and shoes.
Most of the media was interested in Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who appeared at a player station and engaged reporters, often with a smile.
WEDNESDAY - JAN 28 --- On Wednesday, Marshawn Lynch again found himself the center of attention at a mandatory media availability at the team's hotel.
The Seahawks had celebrity visitor on Friday, as Snoop Dogg brought members of his All-Star youth football team to watch practice. Marshawn Lynch came over during a break in practice to share a few laughs.
"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 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.
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