Seahawks Agree to New Deal with Ahtyba Rubin
By James Loss
The Seahawks and Ahtyba Rubin agreed to terms on new contract just before the start of NFL free agency.
The league’s number one run defense made sure to return a key player with the signing of Defensive Tackle Ahtyba Rubin. The veteran tackle started all 16 games last season alongside Michael Bennett and Brandon Mebane. The Seattle defense allowed only 81.5 rushing yards per game last season and Rubin is a big reason why.
The Iowa State graduate weighs in at 325 lbs, but moves with the speed of Bobby Wagner. Rubin has the ability to follow the ball well after the play has left the line of scrimmage. Everyone remembers the fumble Kam Chancellor stripped from Adrian Peterson in the 2015 Divisional round, but what was more important on the play was that Rubin was there for the recovery (well away from the line of scrimmage).
More from Seattle Seahawks
- Seattle Seahawks: To rest or not to rest, that is the question
- Seattle Seahawks: 12s still waiting to exhale
- Seattle Seahawks: 4 Takeaways from 26-23 Loss to the 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks: Four Takeaways from Week 14 21-7 victory
- Seattle Seahawks: Three Takeaways from the Week 13 43-16 victory
Rubin’s 36 tackles don’t reflect his impact on defense. The re-signing of Rubin brings a sense of solidarity to Seattle’s front four. Pete Carroll praises Ahtyba Rubin for his hustle and work ethic; two very contagious traits.
“He’s unique,” Carroll says. “I think it really stands out, because he’s a big, strong, tough football player that he’s just got the mentality to take off and run. Most guys don’t run like that. You can’t move the dude, and he pursues the football really well.”
After 8 seasons in the NFL, we can’t really expect Ahtyba Rubin to produce 82 tackles like he used to in his time with Cleveland. But let’s not forget this was only his first season in Seattle and it’s a rigorous regime to settle into. The good news is Rubin improved his tackle count from the 2014 season, going from 28 to 36. With this new contract extension, Rubin and the coaching staff will be able to work with the future in mind, providing opportunities for even more growth.
Next: NFL Draft Prospects for the Seahawks After the Combine
In the last few seasons, Seattle has burned through multiple Defensive Tackles. This time they plan on keeping Rubin around. Expect the veteran to make his presence felt in these upcoming seasons with the league’s number one defense.