Should Seattle Seahawks pay Bruce Irvin?

ByMike Pendleton|

When it comes to contract talks and the Seattle Seahawks, the focus is all about quarterback Russell Wilson and how much the team is willing pay to keep their star under center. If there was a priority signing list in the offices of general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll, it would likely look as such:

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1) Russell Wilson

2) Bobby Wagner

3) Michael Bennett

So does that leave Bruce Irvin at fourth on the list or does the list not go that far for the Seahawks decision makers? When it comes to Irvin’s stay in Seattle, it’s all about the chance. Schneider and Carroll gave Irvin a chance when they took him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Irvin’s career started off strong with 16 tackles, 8 sacks, and both a forced fumble and recovery during his rookie season, but he started the 2013 season off by serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Once he found action in 2013, Irvin only compiled two sacks but saw an increase in his total tackles which jumped to 40 under the new 4-3 scheme in Seattle’s defense.

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This past season, as the Seahawks worked towards their second straight Super Bowl appearance, Irvin had a considerably decent season. He accounted for 37 total tackles and 6.5 sacks, but even off his production, the team decided not to pick up his option, making him a free agent after the 2016 season.

Back in May, Irvin was quoted by Black Sports Online that he plans to play for his hometown Atlanta Falcons once his contract in Seattle is up. In a different tone this past week, Irvin said his words last month were “misinterpreted” and that he wants to stay in Seattle.

The question now becomes, with the roller coaster ride that has been Bruce Irvin’s young career, do the Seahawks want him to prove himself in 2015 or are their priorities in place which force the two sides to part ways in 2016? Irvin hasn’t quite played the best Robin role to Bobby Wagner’s Batman act and at times he seems to be lost behind all the talent on defense.

Then again, what would Irvin’s market be in free agency? Sure, an arrival in Atlanta would reunite him with his former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is now the head coach of the Falcons, but is any team willing to pay him as a top outside linebacker?

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated St. Louis 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

There’s a serious question of how good Bruce Irvin truly is and that might be the same question John Schneider and Pete Carroll are asking themselves before deciding whether or not to give him a new contract after this season.

While it is certainly understandable to feel Irvin’s frustration with the team not picking up his option, he hasn’t done himself many favors either. There is no questioning Irvin’s talent but there are questions about the right fit for him both on and off the field.

Most championship teams would like to keep the talent that got them their winning ways, but for the Seattle Seahawks and their decision makers, it’s time to use their money in a smart way not a luxurious way.

Quite frankly, not only should the Seahawks let Bruce Irvin walk away from their team in 2016, they should do the same with Michael Bennett as well.

Next: What Will Russell Wilson's Extension Be?

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