The Seattle Seahawks could see a number of important players hit free agency. Left tackle Russell Okung, guard J.R. Sweezy, punter Jon Ryan, fullback Will Tukuafu, wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive lineman Brandon Mebane could all hit the open market. While it remains to been seen which of those players make their way back to the Pacific Northwest for the 2016 season, one player who is returning is defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin.
Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first tweeted the news, which was later confirmed on the team’s official website. Rapoport reports that it will be a “3-year deal worth $12M.” What’s more, the lineman (also per Rapoport) “gets $6M in year 1.”
It appears to be a win-win for both sides. Garafolo noted in his tweet that Rubin “Was a priority for them,” while Rapoport included in his own tweet that the defensive lineman “wanted to stay”.
Instant Impact
Rubin previously spent his entire career with the Cleveland Browns since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The 29-year-old inked a deal as a free agent with the Seahawks last offseason.
In his first season in Seattle, the defensive lineman started all 16 games while collecting 20 tackles and two sacks. What’s more, he also added a pass deflection and an interception.
The addition of Rubin helped the Seahawks finish the season’s as the league’s best rush defense. Seattle allowed an NFL-low 1,304 rushing yards all year.
Positional Outlook
With the former Cleveland defensive tackle returning to Seattle, the Seahawks won’t have to worry about bringing in another player at the position. While Michael Bennett has a tendency to move around the defensive line, the only other full-time defensive tackles on the roster are Jordan Hill and A.J. Francis. Expect Rubin to return as a starter next season.