Ahtyba Rubin signing with the Seahawks

Former Browns defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin is signing a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

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After visiting with the Seahawks earlier this week, it’s now confirmed that defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin is signing with Seattle. The deal is for one year, according to a story by ESPN. The Seahawks were initially in the mix for Greg Hardy, who signed with the Cowboys on Thursday. They needed some extra bodies on the line where veteran Kevin Williams is a free agent and probably not going to be re-signed.

Rubin had his worst year in the NFL last season with the Browns, and the team was last in run defense that year. However, Rubin is known for his effort and hustle, going all out on every play. The Browns run a 3-4 defense, where it’s hard to put up stats and Rubin just might not fit that very well either. Coach Mike Pettine said Rubin still had the best technique of any nose tackle that he’s coached.

Listed at 6’2 and 325 pounds, Rubin is 28 and it’s possible he’s slowing down, however there’s plenty of upside for the Seahawks if he can bounce back from 2014 where he only logged 28 tackles and one sack. For comparison, his best year as a pro was in 2011 where he made 83 tackles and five sacks in 16 starts. At the very least, it gives the Seahawks depth and some insurance in case current starting nose tackle Brandon Mebane comes back slowly from his injury last year. Mebane missed the last seven games of the season as well as the postseason due to a hamstring tear.

The Seahawks might also be trying to get Mebane to restructure his contract. He will cost $5.7 million against the cap in 2015, the final year of his deal.

Rubin was drafted by the Browns in the sixth round in 2008. He’s played all seven of his seasons in Cleveland.

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