Bruce Irvin opts for Oakland Raiders over Jacksonville Jaguars
By Daniel Lago
The Jacksonville Jaguars started the free agency period strong by agreeing to terms with Pro Bowl defensive tackle Malik Jackson. Jaguars fans had a hard time containing their excitement as rumors continued to swirl that the team was also closing in on former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin. The vibe on Tuesday afternoon was Irvin to Jacksonville was a done deal and reports all but confirmed it.
We hear from @ClaytonESPN, he expects Bruce Irvin to wind up with Jacksonville tomorrow. Still uncertain, though.
— Seattle Sports 710 (@DDMon710) March 9, 2016
Well things changed rather quickly and now Bruce Irvin is reportedly going to be an Oakland Raider.
Source: The #Raiders will sign LB Bruce Irvin when the league year starts tomorrow. Out of nowhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
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Irvin would have been slotted right into the OTTO role or the outside linebacker opposite
Telvin Smith, and now the Jaguars need to find another answer for that spot. This isn’t exactly a huge blow for the Jaguars as Irvin likely is going to be the most overpaid free agent in terms of overall impact to price tag, but he certainly would have filled a need.
In my opinion, this signals a few things – the Jaguars prefer to overpay for a player who can make a bigger impact at a more important position (edge rusher and free safety) and they also have their eye on a few linebacker prospects in the draft.
With Irvin out of the picture, the Jaguars can now pursue someone like Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon with full force. I also expect general manager David Caldwell to address the secondary and add a cornerback and safety.
The Jaguars have already made a few moves, but the team should like noticeably different by the end of the week, perhaps a tandem of Tashaun Gipson and Janoris Jenkins.