FA DT Ahtyba Rubin heads to Oakland

The Falcons will see one of their former defensive linemen head to the West Coast.

A report has come through saying that DT Ahtyba Rubin will sign with the Oakland Raiders, presumably on a one-year deal.

Rubin spent about half a season and a brief playoff run with the Falcons, helping them shore up their run defense after the season-ending injury to Jack Crawford. After his arrival, stopping the run became much easier, as Dontari Poe came into his own, and Grady Jarrett continued to be himself. They weren’t the most prolific of interior pressure units, but it was a stout trio of run defenders for the Falcons to field. That Jets game in particular was an excellent example of what they could do.

After the team opted to draft Deadrin Senat and sign Terrell McClain to bolster their defensive tackle group behind Jarrett and Crawford, fans felt much better about the state of the position. Though, McClain’s signing did spell the end to Rubin’s tenure with the organization.

Now, Rubin will suit up for Jon Gruden’s RAIIIIIDAAAHHHS, and give that team some depth. Rubin is an effective run stuffer, if a bit limited against the pass. But, he serves his role well into his veteran years, and we wish him well with Oakland.

Going ahead, Atlanta will hope that the tinkering to their defensive tackle depth, the loss of Poe and the decision to let Rubin head elsewhere will all play out like they hope.