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Seahawks Successfully Land 5× Pro Bowl Linebacker With Over 106 Career Sacks — Mike Macdonald Calls Him a “Secret Weapon” Ahead of Rams Showdown

Seattle, Washington – December 18, 2025

The Seattle Seahawks have sent a deliberate signal just days before their pivotal clash with the Los Angeles Rams: they are ready to shift the balance. According to league sources, Seattle has reached a verbal agreement with a five-time Pro Bowl linebacker who owns more than 106 career sacks — a move kept tightly under wraps until the eve of the matchup to avoid unnecessary disruption.

For the Seahawks, this isn’t merely about adding depth. It’s a timing play. Seattle’s defense has been disciplined and organized for weeks, but against opponents capable of controlling tempo and protecting the pocket like the Rams, they needed someone who can flip a game with a single snap. The résumé of the incoming defender tells the story: sustained pressure, elite instincts for reading protection, and a knack for showing up in the biggest moments.

Patriots Tipped to Reunite With Matthew Judon - Yahoo Sports

Head coach Mike Macdonald didn’t hide his excitement when discussing the new chess piece — even as he stopped short of revealing the name.

“We’re not chasing a name to fill a spot on the roster,” Macdonald said. “We’re chasing a presence — something that makes opponents go quiet in the meeting room and rewrite the plan the moment they see the personnel. There are players who don’t need to say a word; just stepping onto the field makes the other system start to wobble. That’s the kind of value we believe can change a game.”

From a tactical standpoint, if the agreement is finalized, Seattle gains significant flexibility in how it applies pressure. The ability to rush from multiple angles allows Macdonald to disguise blitzes, rotate defensive packages, and force opposing quarterbacks into earlier-than-planned decisions — a critical factor against a Rams offense known for exploiting the middle of the field and playing with pace.

The impact extends beyond the whiteboard. Inside the locker room, the arrival of a player who has battled in high-stakes games brings a psychological weight young teams often lack — a standard set not by speeches, but by snaps.

And as details began to surface, the name behind the verbal agreement emerged: Matthew Judon, the former New England Patriots defensive star who once served as the heartbeat of Foxborough’s defense. While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate both sides have aligned on the core terms and are simply waiting for the right moment.

The showdown with the Rams is fast approaching. And even without a signature on paper, Seattle already holds something just as powerful: the belief they’ve secured the missing piece capable of forcing opponents to rewrite the entire plan — starting with the very first snap.

After Serving His Sentence, Former Raiders First-Round Pick Announces Desire to Join Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Willing to Start Over as a Rookie Buccanners for a Chance to Return to the NFL
This morning, the NFL world was once again shaken when Henry Ruggs III, the former first-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, spoke out for the first time since completing his sentence — and made a shocking statement that immediately sent ripples through the league. Ruggs, who was once considered one of the fastest and most talented young wide receivers in football, declared that he is determined to continue his career and is solely focused on joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even if it means starting over completely as a rookie with the team. Now 26 years old, Ruggs spoke with quiet determination, a stark contrast to the excessive scrutiny of his past. “I know what I’ve done, and I know what I’ve lost,” he said through his representative on Tuesday morning. “If I’m allowed to return to the football field, I’m ready to start over. If that means starting as a rookie with the Buccaneers, with no guarantees and no promises — I’ll accept it. I just want a chance.” This announcement comes at a critical moment for Tampa Bay, a team known for its culture of embracing redemption — but only for those who are willing to prove they can rebuild their lives with discipline, humility, and relentless work ethic. While the Buccaneers have not publicly commented, internal discussions are said to acknowledge the complexity: Ruggs' raw talent is undeniable, but the shadow of the tragic DUI crash in 2021 still looms over any organization considering him. Despite this, Ruggs remains steadfast in his desire to join Tampa Bay. According to those close to him, he sees the Buccaneers' culture — built on accountability, discipline, and the leadership of head coach Todd Bowles and veteran players — as the perfect environment to rebuild both his career and his identity. “If I’m going to fight to come back,” Ruggs said, “I want to do it with a team where every inch of ground has to be earned. That’s Tampa Bay.” NFL analysts immediately pointed out that if allowed to return by the league, Ruggs' options would be very limited. The most realistic path is to start as a true rookie with the Buccaneers, accepting the lowest possible salary and proving himself from day one. Whether Tampa Bay will consider this possibility remains unclear. But Ruggs' statement — born from humility, desperation, and the belief that redemption must be earned, not given — has sparked a nationwide debate: Can a first-round talent who fell from grace truly work his way back in a league that once believed he could become a star? For now, Ruggs is waiting. Training alone. Hoping. And preparing, in his own words, "to start from zero if necessary."