SEATTLE – After experiencing defensive struggles early in the season, the Seattle Seahawks made a significant move to bolster their lineup. Recently, they traded for defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2026.
The 31-year-old Robertson-Harris is expected to add both size and experience to a Seahawks defense that has faced challenges, particularly against the run this season. As it stands, the Seahawks are positioned 19th in total defense, allowing 339.7 yards per game. Furthermore, they rank 28th in the league, yielding 144.7 rushing yards per game.
The team hopes that Robertson-Harris’s arrival, combined with the anticipated return of tackle Byron Murphy II from injury, will help turn their defense around. Coach Mike Macdonald expressed optimism about the addition, highlighting Robertson-Harris’s toughness and versatility. “He’s big, he’s tough, he’s rugged. He offers us positional flexibility and can effectively play across all three gaps up front,” Macdonald stated. “This provides a fantastic opportunity to deepen our defensive front.”
Describing his transition to Seattle as “surreal,” Robertson-Harris recently played in a game in London before quickly moving to the Seahawks. On the field, he aims to introduce a physical style of play, where the team has categorized him as a defensive tackle. Thus far this season, he has recorded seven tackles and two sacks.
Robertson-Harris believes he brings an aggressive edge to the Seahawks’ defense. “This front is very talented and well-known. I feel like I contribute a lot of energy, violence, and I perform solidly in both run and pass situations,” he noted.
With the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons looming, Robertson-Harris must quickly acclimate to the Seahawks’ systems and strategies. Despite the pressure, Macdonald remains confident in his new player’s ability to learn swiftly. “He’ll be a quick study. The terminology in the league often overlaps, so he won’t find himself lost for long.”
The new environment is made a bit easier for Robertson-Harris by the presence of familiar faces. He played alongside linebacker Trevis Gipson during the 2020 season with the Chicago Bears, and they were also teammates in Jacksonville until Gipson’s trade to Seattle in August. Additionally, he has three seasons of experience playing with strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins in Jacksonville.
Defensive end Leonard Williams expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to play beside Robertson-Harris. “I’m thrilled to have him on the team. He’s a large, strong player—exactly what we need right now in terms of run defense,” Williams remarked, noting the upcoming challenge against the Atlanta offense led by Kirk Cousins, along with the dynamic running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Despite being an undrafted player from the University of Texas-El Paso in 2016, Robertson-Harris has built a respectable career in the NFL. However, he insists that he still has much to prove as he enters his eighth season. “People often underestimate me because of where I came from. I’ve played with many former UTEP colleagues who are still in the league. I continue to carry that chip on my shoulder as a reminder of my journey,” he commented.
In other team news, the Seahawks recently promoted safety Ty Okada to the active roster while placing Jenkins on injured reserve due to a hand injury, meaning he will be sidelined for at least four games.