Getty Bruce Irvin is coming back to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks are bringing back edge rusher Bruce Irvin after weeks of rumors about a potential reunion, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Irvin marks just the second player the Seahawks have signed in free agency who was not already on the roster.
“It’s a reunion type of day: The #Seahawks are bringing back old friend and DE Bruce Irvin, source said. The former first-round draft pick heads home to Seattle,” Rapoport reported on Twitter.
The terms of Irvin’s new contract have yet to be revealed but it is likely a short-term deal. Sports Illustrated’s Corbin Smith noted that he expects a one-year contract.
“Awaiting terms on Irvin’s deal – I would believe it’s the one-year variety on lower end of salary spectrum, though he is coming off an 8.5 sack season,” Smith tweeted.
Irvin Has the Ability to Play Both Defensive End & Linebacker
Irvin brings with him position flexibility at both linebacker and defensive end. The pass rusher is the optimal “LEO” pass rusher that Seahawks fans have grown accustomed to in the Pete Carroll era. Since leaving the Seahawks, Irvin has had stints with the Raiders, Falcons and Panthers.
Irvin is coming off a strong finish to last season in Carolina where he notched 8.5 sacks. The Seahawks are hoping that Irvin can bring some much-needed sacks back to the defensive line.
Former Seahawks’ Pass Rusher Cliff Avril Predicted a Potential Return for Irvin
Former Seahawks pass rusher Cliff Avril hinted at a potential return for Irvin. Avril noted that Irvin has been open about his desire to return to Seattle since leaving the franchise.
“For one, he was drafted here, so I would not be surprised if they reached out to him and he decided to come back,” Avril explained to 710 ESPN Seattle. “He’s joked around with me a few times over the years like ‘man, if I got the opportunity I’d be taking it.’”
The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta believes Irvin has a chance to help a Seahawks defensive line that struggled last season.
“Irvin is healthy, though. Played 608 snaps last year. And obviously he knows the system and coaches. He’s not all they need, but he can help for sure if he can play as he did last year,” Condotta noted on Twitter.
The Seahawks Have Also Been Linked to Former DL Michael Bennett
Irvin is not the only former player that the Seahawks have been linked to as Michael Bennett made it clear that he would like to return. It remains to be seen whether the Seahawks will also sign Bennett. The defensive lineman did not leave on the best terms, but Bennett recently admitted on the Talkin’ Seahawks podcast that he would “love to end my career in Seattle.”
“I would love to end my career in Seattle,” Bennett said, per Yahoo Sports. “It’s not up to you, though. It’s up to the team.”
Bennett went on to discuss what his potential role on the Seahawks teams would be if Seattle was open to a reunion. He believes he could bring the Seahawks “veteran leadership” if he was brought back.
“I think it could be good,” Bennett explained, per Yahoo Sports. “It’s always good to have a good veteran defender that can help young guys. A lot of guys have skill in the NFL, but a lot of them don’t know how to study tape. Having a guy who knows how to study and could bring in some veteran leadership to go along with some great young talent, I would always think that’s a good idea.”
The Seahawks are still hoping to re-sign Jadeveon Clowney who has not found the kind of market he initially hoped for prior to free agency. Be sure to check out our latest update on Clowney and the Seahawks’ negotiation.