Jackson Ragen officially re-signs with Sounders

Jackson Ragen’s new contract with the Seattle Sounders was officially announced on Wednesday. Sounder at Heart had originally reported that the two sides had agreed on terms about 10 days earlier.

The new deal is guaranteed through 2027 with a club option for 2028. Although no details were announced, he’s expected to earn somewhere between $600,000-$750,000 annually.

“I’d like to congratulate Jackson on his new deal and am pleased to see him remain in Seattle,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said in a team statement. “Over the past few years, he’s developed into a crucial member of our defensive unit, which is a credit to both him and the coaches he’s worked with every day. We’re excited to continue the work and look forward to seeing what’s still to come in Jackson’s career.”

Ragen, 26, grew up in Seattle and spent a season in the Sounders Academy before going to the University of Michigan, where he twice won Big 10 Defender of the Year (in 2019 and 2021). He was then drafted by the Chicago Fire with the 33rd overall pick of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft before joining Tacoma Defiance on a free transfer. The Sounders acquired his MLS rights in exchange for a third-round pick the following offseason and then signed him to a first-team contract, where he eventually became a regular starter. Over the last two seasons, Ragen has consistently rated as the top passing centerback in MLS. His three goals this year are also tied for the most in the league among centerbacks.

“He’s earned this opportunity to extend his career in Seattle,” Sounders GM Craig Waibel said in a team statement. “It’s always a great story to see a player excel for his hometown club after developing in our academy, so we’re looking forward to him continuing his professional career in Rave Green.”