SEATTLE – Linebacker Bruce Irvin says he's ready to leave the Seattle Seahawks and he has a destination in mind.
"I'm going to be in Atlanta next season," Irvin told Black Sports Online.
By next season, Irvin presumably means 2016. He still has one year on rookie contract with the Seahawks. The team announced last week it was not picking up a fifth-year option.
"Atlanta is where I want to be. Believe that," Irvin said when asked if he would stay with the Seahawks for the right deal.
There were rumors before the NFL Draft that the Seahawks might try to trade Irvin to Atlanta, where he is originally from.
If he signs with the Falcons, Irvin would be reunited with Dan Quinn. The former Seahawks defensive coordinator is the new head coach in Atlanta.
Some fans have already chimed in on social media that the Seahawks should simply trade or release Irvin now if he doesn't want to be in Seattle. But the Seahawks would get practically nothing back.
If Seattle trades Irvin to Atlanta now, the Falcons know that's exactly where he wants to go. They have a great bargaining position and don't have to give up much.
If the Seahawks trade him to another team, that team knows Irvin would only be there for a year. Again, they would not have to give up much for him.
If the Seahawks just let Irvin go, they would still be on the hook for about $1.2 million against the salary cap in 2015.
Despite Irvin's wishes, there is no guarantee that the Falcons are looking to sign him. Since he's locked up with the Seahawks, any talk by Atlanta of snatching him up could be considered tampering.
The Falcons also just drafted linebacker Vic Beasley from Clemson with the 8th overall pick. Like Irvin, Beasley is a pass rushing specialist. If Beasley proves he's worth the pick, the Falcons may not need or want Irvin.
