Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Seattle Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch signed a multi-year contract extension with the team on Sunday.

Lynch, the team's leading rusher the past two seasons, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13.

"We are excited to keep Marshawn as an important part of what we are building," Seahawks general manager John Schneider said. "This is what we were hoping for when we acquired him from Buffalo."

Lynch, an Oakland, California native, was drafted by the Bills with the 12th overall pick in 2007, but was traded to Seattle in 2010.

In 15 games for Seattle last year, Lynch posted 1,204 yards on 285 carries to go with 12 rushing scores and one receiving touchdown.

He became the first running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a Seahawks uniform since Shaun Alexander in 2005.

Lynch became a fan-favorite in Seattle after he would routinely break huge runs and squeeze out of almost inescapable tackles to lift his team, something he called going "beast mode."

In 72 career games, Lynch has rushed for 4,542 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,137 carries.

03/05 00:23:14 ET