Seahawks re-sign Ahtyba Rubin: what it means for Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed Ahtyba Rubin, but they still need help on the defensive line.

Mark of one item on the Seattle Seahawks’ to-do list. According to a report, they have re-signed defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin.

Rubin signed last season on a one year “prove it” deal. He definitely proved it, working his way into the starting lineup and completely outplaying his contract. Now he’s back, and likely has a salary more fitting of his talent.

It is interested that it was Rubin and not Mebane that was the “priority.” While Rubin is younger, Mebane was widely viewed as better player. He was also a fringe member of the team’s “championship core.”

While this move doesn’t rule out a return by Mebane, it does make it less likely. The Seahawks aren’t exactly flush with salary cap space. Given their needs elsewhere, committing to two big contracts at defensive tackle doesn’t appear to be in the cards.

The Seahawks clearly aren’t done adding to their defensive line. If they don’t bring Mebane back, than Rubin moves to nose tackle and the Seahawks are left searching for a new starting 3-tech. Even if Mebane returns, they lack depth and inside pass rushing at the moment.

Rubin is a tremendous run stuffer, and a big part of why the Seahawks were among the very best at stopping the run last season. He doesn’t generate much push on passing downs though, which was a problem last season.

The Seahawks have great edge-pass rushers, but QBs were able to step up and avoid the pressure because of the lack of inside pressure. That is the drawback of playing two defensive tackles that are both built like nose tackles.

That is why Seattle is likely to looks for a DT that is better at getting penetration to be the 3-tech next season. The Seahawks want to be better at getting after the QB, to do that, they need more push on the inside.

So the first item is checked off the to-do list; there is still so much work left to do.