Oakland Raiders Form Nasty Pass Rush Duo With Signing of Bruce Irvin

By Jason Fletcher

One of the top free agent pass rushers is off the market as former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin has come to a deal with the Oakland Raiders. Irvin was drafted by the Seahawks with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and recorded 22 sacks during his four seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

In joining the Raiders, Irvin will team with Khalil Mack to form one of the most dynamic pass rushing duos in the NFL. After being used mostly in coverage in 2015, he will be allowed more freedom to rush the passer in Oakland which should help take the double and triple teams away from Mack. It’s a good thing Peyton Manning retired when he did because the AFC West quarterbacks are going to take a beating.

The Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos both gave the blueprint on how to succeed in the NFL and that’s by dominating both lines of scrimmage. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has taken notice by reportedly agreeing to a deal with former Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele and adding Irvin.

With plenty of cap space left to play with, expect the Raiders to continue to be active in free agency as they try to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The goal is within reach and it’s up to McKenzie and the rest of the front office to put the final pieces in place this offseason.

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