Bruce Irvin had suitors once he hit the free-agent market. That happened Tuesday, after the Raiders cut him, and then he cleared waivers.
Seattle came calling, as expected, looking for a reunion with the franchise that drafted him and mentor/Seahawks defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. Others made a pitch, but the call to come home was strong.
Irvin, who grew up just outside Atlanta, agreed to terms with the Falcons early Wednesday morning.
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Irvin chose the Falcons over the Seahawks, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.
NBC Sports Bay Area 49ers insider Matt Maiocco also reported the 49ers went hard after Irvin, but he evidently wanted to play for a playoff contender this season.
Rapoport reported that Irvin will make $1.5 million over eight games with the Falcons, but that doesn’t lessen the Raiders’ financial burden. The Silver and Black are on the hook for the roughly $3.75 million left of his 2018 base salary. That means Irvin will double dip in what will be his biggest yearly haul as a professional. He’ll have a chance to play at home and play well enough to possibly cash in on the open market again next season.
The Raiders were phasing Irvin out of the defensive game plan, and agreed to waive the veteran edge rusher last weekend. Irvin led the Raiders with three of their NFL-worst seven sacks, meaning there’s just four sacks left from players on the roster.
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The Raiders added some life to the defensive end spot Monday, signing Jacquies Smith and Kony Ealy to help a struggling pass rush.