Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin learned over the weekend that the team will not be picking up the fifth-year option on his contract. Either the Seahawks will work out a long-term extension with Irvin at some point over the next year, or he will hit the free agent market at the end of the 2015 season.
How does that make you feel, Bruce?
Irvin was the Seahawks’ first-round pick in 2012. He has been a key pass-rusher while their defense continues to dominate, recording 16.5 sacks in three seasons. The one-year option on his contract would have resulted in a $7.75 million salary in 2016.
Pete Carroll recently said he expects Irvin to be in Seattle for a long time, so the Seahawks must feel they can bring him back at a more team-friendly price, especially after signing linebacker K.J. Wright to a four-year, $27 million extension back in December. Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner is also entering the last season of his rookie contract.
Irvin later softened his stance, though he did not delete the initial tweet.
I am a Seahawk! #12thman
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) May 4, 2015
Im a very blunt person and that won't ever change sorry if u dislike it.
Gonna teach bray to b the same way!
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) May 4, 2015
If the Seahawks are planning to let Irvin walk, you can understand why he would be upset. If they want to offer him more long-term security, he should be fine with the option not being picked up.
Then again, Irvin has shown us in the past that he can be very sensitive — especially on Twitter. That reaction shouldn’t come as a surprise.
H/T Around the NFL
