Raiders snatch LB Bruce Irvin from Seahawks

Seemingly out of nowhere, with no news of the Raiders interest or negotiations, they have reached a deal with Seahawks free agent linebacker Bruce Irvin according to multiple reports.

Irvin will join his former linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr in Oakland just as Malcolm Smith did last offseason.

The former 15th overall pick out of West Virginia is coming off his rookie contract and is just 28 years old. He has 22.0 career sacks over four seasons in Seattle along with 3.5 career postseason sacks.

He and Khalil Mack should make for one of the best pass rushing linebacker duos in the NFL. Mack had 15.5 sacks last season en route to being named All Pro at two different positions.

The Cardinals were also trying to sign Irvin before he decided to join the Raiders. And with several other pass rushers already either remaining with their current teams or signing elsewhere, the market was getting thin.

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