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Over the weekend, the Oakland Raiders shocked the NFL, when it leaked out that after unsuccessful attempts to deal linebacker Bruce Irvin at the trade deadline, the Raiders would release Irvin.
As a vested veteran who had been on the Week 1 roster for the Raiders, Irvin's full 2018 salary was guaranteed under Article 45 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and leaving Irvin out no money for being released. However, since his release came after the trade deadline, Irvin was subject to waivers, which led some to speculate a pass-rush needy team could put in a claim. That speculation proved unfounded, as Irvin cleared waivers and became a free agent able to sign with any team on Tuesday.
His free agency did not last long, as early on Wednesday morning reports leaked out that Irvin had agreed to a one year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, where he is reunited with Falcons coach Dan Quinn, for whom he played for with the Seattle Seahawks in the first couple seasons of his career.
Irvin’s decision to sign with Atlanta will also see the former Seahawk return to his hometown, something he made known as a contributing factor:
Man it’s time! You can’t put a price on the chance for me to play for my people and city! It’s bigger than money!
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) November 7, 2018
Shortly after news of Irvin’s decision broke, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed what had been speculated since the weekend—Seattle was in fact interested in a reunion:
The #Raiders tried to trade Bruce Irvin for a while and found no takers. Once him and his hefty salary cleared waivers, it was a different story. The #Seahawks, #Patriots and #Steelers all tried to sign him, but he opted for a 1-year deal with the #Falcons to resurrect his career
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2018
Irvin will now join a 4-4 Falcons team in danger of missing the playoffs. Coming into a depleted defense, he will have a chance to contribute immediately.