NFL Free Agency: Possible landing spots for Bruce Irvin

NFL free agency is typically a dead zone midway through a year, but crazy things can happen sometimes. Enter the curious case of Bruce Irvin.

The Oakland Raiders tried to deny they were in full tank mode from the start of the season after trading away their best player. Since then they’ve continued to unload proven talents. Amari Cooper was dealt to Dallas. Now the veteran Irvin, who led the team with three sacks was granted his release after Jon Gruden and the front office failed to trade him at the deadline.

At age 31 he may not be in his prime anymore, but Irvin has shown he can still get the job done. Given the talent he had around him in Oakland this year, it’s a wonder he got even three sacks. No doubt teams with better personnel would love the chance to add him to their roster in hopes that a better environment could reinvigorate the guy who had 15 sacks between 2016 and 2017.

As with situations like this, it comes down to where he could end up going. Since he’s subject to the waiver process, it’s possible any team could scoop him up. Given his hefty contract situation, that seems unlikely though. So if he becomes a free agent, here are some teams to watch.

New England Patriots

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Signing veterans for cheap who can help them in key areas is something the Patriots have done for almost two decades with consistently good results. Right now their defense is aching for help with the pass rush. They have just 12 sacks this season. They’ve gotten away with that to this point because it’s the regular season but this same problem haunted them in the playoffs last year.

Seattle Seahawks

Parting ways with Irvin back in 2016 was bittersweet for the Seahawks who originally drafted and developed him. However, now they have a more flexible salary cap and are never stopping in their search for pass rush help. Outside of Frank Clark, they really don’t have anybody of note on the edge. Bringing back Irvin would be a fun story of the prodigal son returning.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have made due on defense thanks to the prolific offense on the other side with Philip Rivers and company. That said they’ve clearly missed Joey Bosa who continues to be out with injury. Gus Bradley was in Seattle as defensive coordinator when Irvin was drafted. He knows what he can do. It’s only natural that a reunion would benefit L.A.

Chicago Bears

Irvin was noticeably upset when the Raiders traded Khalil Mack to Chicago. The two had developed a strong connection over the previous two seasons. Now he’s free and it just so happens the Bears are looking for a consistent pass rush presence opposite Mack as Leonard Floyd has continued to struggle. It would seem rather poetic if the two reunited like this.

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