The teardown of the Oakland Raiders continued over the weekend with the release of defensive end Bruce Irvin (officially released on Monday). The San Francisco 49ers were reportedly very interested in the latest Raiders castoff, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Irvin signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday morning.
The #49ers went hard after DE Bruce Irvin, according to a source. Irvin, whom the Raiders released on Monday, received interest from about 10 teams. He signed a one-year deal this morning with the Falcons, which means he will be available as a free agent in March.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 7, 2018
Irvin had his best season last year at outside linebacker. He got to the quarterback a career-high eight times. Irvin saw his role diminish this season under new head coach Jon Gruden and played just nine snaps in last Thursday night's embarrassing 34-3 loss to the 49ers.
While Irvin has just three sacks through eight games this season, the total was enough to lead the Raiders, who have a league-low seven combined sacks this year. He was set to earn $8 million in base salary this season and had a salary cap figure of $8.25 million before being waived.
The prospect of returning home to Atlanta greatly influenced Irvin's decision to sign with the Falcons.
Comments like the following also could explain why Irvin may not have been interested in signing with San Francisco. The first is after cornerback Richard Sherman signed with the 49ers. The second was while Irvin was still a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Least I didn't go to the niners 😂😂😂😂😩😩
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) March 11, 2018
The nfl is a fraternity it feels like. I consider everybody my brother except the 49ers lol #12thman
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) May 27, 2014
The Seahawks made Irvin the No. 15 overall pick out of West Virginia in 2012. He signed a four-year, $37 million deal with the Raiders in 2016. Irvin has registered 252 combined tackles, 40 sacks, 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, two touchdowns, and 15 forced fumbles in seven NFL seasons.