Veteran defensive end Bruce Irvin has decided to sign with the Atlanta Falcons following his release from the Oakland Raiders. As it turns out, the Falcons were hardly the only team interested in Irvin’s services.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Seattle Seahawks all tried to sign the veteran pass rusher. But in the end, Irvin, who is from Atlanta, opted to go back home.
And as Irvin told Vaughn McClure of ESPN, despite receiving offers for more money from New England and Pittsburgh, he decided to make one of his dreams come true by returning to play in Atlanta:
“This was a dream [come] true. The Patriots and Steelers offered more money, but being able to play for my city and my people, you just can’t put a price on that,” Irvin said.
Aside from offering more money, the Patriots and Steelers also would’ve given Irvin a better chance to compete for a Super Bowl. But Irvin, who already won a ring with the Seahawks in 2014, apparently didn’t have that as high on his list of priorities.
Between the Patriots and Steelers, it’s New England which could have used another capable pass rusher like Irvin a lot more for their defense. While the Steelers are tied for fourth in sacks with 26, the Patriots are all the way down in 30th with just 13.
But Irvin ultimately made his choice to go back home. So the Patriots’ and Steelers’ loss is the Falcons’ gain.
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