Is a Vic Beasley/Bruce Irvin tandem the next-best thing coming to the Atlanta Falcons? Irvin certainly hopes so. The Falcons drafted Beasley in the first round to be their big passing rushing threat this upcoming season after the team failed in that area over the past few years. There is a lot of confidence that Beasley can be the answer to what the Falcons need on defense, but Irvin thinks he can help as well.
After getting his fifth-year option denied by the Seattle Seahawks, Irvin told Black Sports Online that he will be playing for the Falcons in 2016. Irvin has been coached by Dan Quinn the past few years and is eyeing a reunion along with a return home since the linebacker is originally from Stone Mountain. While Irvin continues to lobby for a contract in Atlanta, will the Falcons give it to him?
Irvin's 16 ½ sacks would be a welcomed addition to the Falcons defense. The question is just how much the linebacker would command. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Mark Bradley, the Falcons will consider Irvin, but only at a certain price considering they already have Beasley and do not want a lot of money wrapped into one position. The Seahawks declined the $7.8 million option for Irvin. Chances are high he wants money similar that in his next deal.
Atlanta's money priorities right now lie with Julio Jones and his upcoming extension. According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, general manager Thomas Dimitroff wants Jones signed before the season begins. The wide receiver will be getting a monster contract with the team. Outside of Jones, the Falcons have a lot of players approaching free agency next year as well. Players like Joe Hawley, Ricardo Allen and Antone Smith are some of the players that could be priorities to re-sign. If Paul Worrilow or Adrian Clayborn excel in this upcoming season, they could see returns as well.
Bradley writes that while the Falcons were assumed to have a "come one come all" mindset in terms of pass rushers, they will not over spend on someone. Irvin could be worth it. His chemistry in Quinn's system is obvious, but the amount of money he wants will be the major factor that makes or breaks whether he gets to come home.