PITTSFORD, N.Y. (July 26, 2007) -- Running back Marshawn Lynch, the Buffalo Bills' first-round draft pick, agreed to a five-year contract, the player's agent told The Associated Press.
"Marshawn's ecstatic and looking forward to helping the Bills," Doug Hendrickson said. "All along, Marshawn told us he wanted to be in camp on time and instructed us to get the deal done."
Drafted 12th overall out of California, Lynch was traveling to join the Bills at their training camp site in suburban Rochester and was expected to be at practice July 27. He missed the Bills' first two practices.
The Bills were not immediately available for comment.
Buffalo drafted Lynch to replace former starter Willis McGahee, who was traded to Baltimore in March.
Lynch was the second running back selected in the draft, behind Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, who was taken at No. 7 by Minnesota. Lynch finished with 3,230 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns, while adding 600 yards receiving and six TDs in 35 games spread over three seasons at California.
The Bills particularly like Lynch's versatility as a receiver, an added dimension that fits offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild's scheme and something with which McGahee struggled.
Lynch, who played quarterback in high school, even showed off a strong arm in college, completing three passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns.
AP NEWS
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