Former Mountie: Bruce Irvin to Raiders

On Wednesday, the NFL Free Agency market opened and the Oakland Raiders waisted no time as they signed Super Bowl winning linebacker Bruce Irvin, after the Seattle Seahawks decided not to pick up his fifth year option. In four years with the Seahawks, Irvin had 22 sacks in 37 starts.

Irvin’s deal is reported to be a four-year deal with $12 million dollars guaranteed, and could earn up to $35 million dollars once it is all said and done. Irvin does have relationship with current Raider’s defensive coordinator Kevin Norton Jr., who was apart of the Seattle Seahawks’ staff as a linebacker coach when Irvin entered the league.

Irvin took to Instagram to explain why he made the move from the Pacific Northwest to California’s bay area.

“Too my brothers of the 2012 draft class what we did by coming in and changing this organization and city when everyone had something negative to say about us will probably never be done again. We all for the most part won’t ever play together again but the relationships we made are forever and the memories will forever b talked about when are old men. To a city and fan base that embraced me when everyone considered me a reach I appreciate you and I will love you forever. Mr Allen Pete and John thank u for the chance to play for such a great city and a group of men who I consider my lifetime brothers now. I know some may not understand the decision but this window of opportunity is so small that you have to make the best decision for you and your family. 12'sssss I thank you and I love you. One of the best fan bases in sports today u will be missed! I’m looking forward to my new chapter and helping the city of Oakland bring a ship there!”

Despite failing to make the playoff in the 2015 season the Oakland Raiders definitely had progress to be please with, as rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper finished the season with six touchdowns and 1,070 receiving yards. Not to mention, that third year quarterback Derek Carr also had an impressive third season as he thew for 32 touchdowns and 3,987 passing yards. However, what makes Irvin an important sign is that he will be playing alongside All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack, who last year had 15 sacks.

With only two days into free agency Raider Nation seems more than optimistic for the upcoming season.