"Coach Pete Carroll said he had hoped to use the bye week to improve the Seattle Seahawks' running attack.

The front office went about it in dramatic fashion Tuesday, trading two draft picks to Buffalo for former Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch.

The Seahawks reportedly sent a fourth-round pick in 2011 and a low conditional pick in 2012 to the Bills, and they released veteran back Julius Jones to clear the roster spot for Lynch.

"We'll get him in here as soon as possible and get him to work," Carroll said after practice Tuesday. The team has a bye this week, and Carroll said he expects Lynch to be active for the next game, Oct. 17 at Chicago.

Lynch brings to Seattle more baggage than just his wardrobe. He was suspended for three games in 2009 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Among other off-field issues, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge in '09.

Carroll said he and team GM John Schneider have had Lynch on their wish list for a long time. As the Oct. 19 trading deadline neared, the Seahawks slumped to 27th in the NFL in rushing.

"We bring a guy into the program that we think will give us a little boost," Carroll said. "We've emphasized trying to get this running game in order, and hopefully he'll help us in that regard."

At 5-11, 215 pounds, Lynch was the 12th player taken in the first round of the 2007 draft. He rushed for 1,115 yards in his rookie season and 1,036 in his second season, making the Pro Bowl in '08.

"He's a very unique football player; he plays with great intensity," Carroll said. "He's got make-you-miss ability, he runs tough. He has really good hands, so he's got great versatility."

Carroll summed up Lynch as a back "who can carry the load for you."

If he's carrying the load, though, it will mean fewer carries for current starter Justin Forsett. Forsett is used to that; he and Lynch were a backfield tandem at the University of California."