Barrett Ruud

Barrett Ruud

41-Year-Old LinebackerLB
 Free Agent  
2024 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Barrett Ruud in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed by the Texans in Oct. 2012.
LBHouston Texans
December 3, 2012
Ruud had five tackles (five solo) and a sack in Houston's win over Tennessee in Week 13.
ANALYSIS
Injuries at the linebacker position resulted in a start for Ruud on Sunday. He got his most extensive playing time since signing with the Texans back in October.
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2024 Barrett Ruud Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2012
2011
2010
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2008
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2006
2005
Ruud is worth bumping up if he holds off rookie Bobby Wagner for the middle linebacker job, but until he conclusively earns a starting role in Seattle, his IDP value is muted. He struggled in Tennessee last year and eventually was replaced by Colin McCarthy, a fourth-round pick and an inferior prospect to Wagner, whom the Seahawks selected 47th overall this year. It’s also worth noting that Ruud dealt with groin, shoulder and knee issues this offseason, which could hurt his ability to compete in training camp.
Ruud will start at middle linebacker for the Titans after signing a one-year deal. Ruud is generally a thumper rather than a sideline-to-sideline player, but he’s still athletic enough to play three downs. And with 511 tackles the last four years, he figures to flourish in 2011 with Tennessee.
Since winning a starting job three years ago, Ruud’s high tackle totals have made the Tampa inside ‘backer one of the NFL’s top IDP contributors. He set a career high in stops last season with 142, including a 17-tackle (13 solo) tour de force against Atlanta in the season finale. He didn’t record a sack after posting three in 2008, but he’s had at least one interception in each of the last three years. If you place any stock in contract drives, Ruud’s value gets a boost this year; unless an extension is worked out, he’s on track to be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Installed as a starter for the 2007 season, Ruud put up outstanding numbers – 114 tackles and two interceptions – making him a popular IDP pick for 2008. He was even better last season, setting career highs in tackles (137) and sacks (3) and picking off two more passes. Ruud could be a top-10 IDP performer this season, though he doesn’t get as much attention as other linebackers – he was snubbed for the Pro Bowl last year despite finishing fourth in the league in tackles. Be aware of his contract status, though. He’s reportedly looking for a new deal and skipped several team events in May.
In his first year as a starter, Ruud burst onto the IDP scene with 114 tackles and two interceptions in 2007 as Tampa Bay's middle linebacker. He's only 25 and offers tremendous upside. Ruud could have been more consistent last season – he mixed seven double-digit tackle performances with five games of five or fewer stops – but such is often the case with young players, especially first-time starters. And Ruud was bothered by a lingering minor knee injury, which also might have been a factor. Look for more improvement from Ruud in 2008; he could easily exceed 120 tackles.
Promoted to starting middle linebacker this season. 57 tackles in 16 games as a part-timer backing up Shelton Quarles in 2006.
The Bucs' 2005 second-round pick looked great in limited action; one of these days, he'll unseat Shelton Quarles as the middle linebacker and the Bucs won't miss a beat. As it is, he may the league's best fourth linebacker in 2006. 15 tackles, no sacks in 2005.
Ruud, a second round draft choice from Nebraska, looked great in the early stages of the Bucs' training camp. Don't be shocked if he's a starter before the end of the year.
More Fantasy News
LBHouston Texans
October 10, 2012
Ruud signed with the Texans on Wednesday, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.
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LBFree Agent
October 8, 2012
Ruud was released by the Saints on Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
ANALYSIS
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LBNew Orleans Saints
September 8, 2012
Ruud was placed on the exempt list on Saturday, the Saints' official site reports.
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LBNew Orleans Saints
Knee
August 20, 2012
Ruud (knee) was traded to the Saints on Monday in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick, the team's official site reports.
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LBSeattle Seahawks
Knee
August 12, 2012
Ruud did not play in Seattle's exhibition opener Saturday because of a sore left knee, the Seattle Times reports.
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