SEATTLE, March 6 (UPI) -- They may have had trouble handing him the ball in Super Bowl XLIX, but the Seattle Seahawks didn't mishandle giving its workhorse a new contract.
Marshawn Lynch has decided to return to the NFL and has also agreed to a two-year contract with the Seahawks, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Lynch, 28, scored a career-best 17 touchdowns and rushed for 1,306 yards last season. He also rushed for 102 yards and a score in the Super Bowl. Schefter reported that Lynch was onboard a plane Friday to Seattle.
The Seahawks announced Lynch's new deal at 8:29 p.m. Friday on its official Twitter account. Lynch's deal is for $24 million, paying him $12 million this season, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.
Spotted on plane on way to SEA, Marshawn Lynch has decided to return to NFL; he and Seattle have reached agreement on new deal, per source.
Advertisement— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2015
Lynch recently made news for trademarking "I'm just here so I won't get fined," a phrase which he repeated 27 times during Super Bowl media day.
Seahawks sign RB @MoneyLynch to 2-year extension through 2017 season. [http://t.co/zMs8segA0n]
#BeastIsBack pic.twitter.com/FDR5qvZcIB
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 7, 2015
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll previously said that he expected to have Lynch back.
Marshawn Lynch just signed, source said. 2 years $24 million with $12M this year. He’s back.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2015
"We're always preparing for the future with him," Carroll told reporters the NFL scouting combine. "We've never thought of the future without him. Hopefully, it will work out."