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Jacksonville Jaguars likely to pursue Bruce Irvin, according to reports

By Daniel Lago

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are keeping a close eye on the events unfolding on Tuesday as teams apply franchise tags in order to retain key free agents. While the pool of possible targets will thin somewhat, the Jaguars will still have plenty of players to pursue once free agency opens.

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One player who head coach Gus Bradley is very familiar with is former first round pick

Bruce Irvin

. After a somewhat productive first season, Irvin has failed to find a consistent role but his pass rushing ability is something the Jaguars could certainly use. Mike Florio over at

Pro Football Talk recently posted about the connection

, stating a source believes the Jaguars will pursue Irvin.

"The Jaguars, like everyone else, need pass rushers. They may find one, via a reunion between a Seahawk and a former defensive coordinator in Seattle…Per a league source, Jacksonville is one of the teams to watch next week, when the time comes for the former West Virginia standout [Bruce Irvin] to hit the market. Jaguars coach Gus Bradley was the defensive coordinator in Seattle during Irvin’s rookie year, during which he recorded eight sacks."

Irvin said almost a year ago he would be playing under Dan Quinn in Atlanta, but I think it’s just as likely Irvin ends up in North Florida. Irvin has familiarity with both Bradley and Quinn, but the Jaguars have the upper hand in being able to offer a hefty contract with little to no consequence.

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As far as fit, Irvin would come in right away and take over the OTTO role

Dan Skuta

manned in 2015. The Jaguars envision the OTTO spot as an athletic linebacker who can rush the passer and Irvin is almost perfectly suited for such a job.

As is to be expected in free agency, Irvin is going to get overpaid but the Jaguars can handle it given their cap situation. He would be an upgrade over what the team has now and the Jaguars just need to find good players heading into 2016.

If they needed another hint of Irvin’s interest in the south, he made it rather public on Twitter.

Let’s make his permanent residence in Jacksonville.

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