There were definitely some moments of doubt, but in the end it looks like Paul Rothrock is choosing to re-sign with the Seattle Sounders. Sounder at Heart’s Niko Moreno was the first to report the apparent “breakthrough” in negotiations, but that’s also now been confirmed by The Athletic’s Tom Bogert.
The Sounders have been trying to re-sign the 26-year-old Seattle native for most of the year and it seemed like the negotiations had come to impasse. Rothrock tested free agency and even received some “serious” interest, but appears to have ultimately decided that he’s best served by staying with the team he grew up rooting for and who made him a bit of a hometown hero.
Rothrock’s apparent return would close out what has been a busy stretch for the Sounders, which started with Danny Leyva’s transfer to Necaxa on Dec. 8. That was quickly followed by several signings, starting with the announced return of goalkeeper Stefan Frei. The Sounders then announced the signings of veteran midfielder Hassani Dotson, defender Ryan Sailor and goalkeeper Max Anchor.
Although the Sounders likely still have about $1 million of salary cap maneuverability, this might be the last big move they make until closer to the start of the 2026 season, barring a notable outgoing move.
