One of the interesting storylines to follow this offseason will be the Raiders handling of Bruce Irvin and the $8.25 million he is scheduled to make next season.
Irvin was one of the Raiders best defensive players in the second half of the season, but the Raiders reportedly want the 30 year-old to take a pay cut.
Considering he tallied the same number of sacks (6) as Khalil Mack over the Raiders final 8 games of the season, Irvin’s contract isn’t that bad. He’s not even paid among the top-20 edge rushers in the league.
#Raiders' Bruce Irvin is due $8.25M in 2018 if OAK chooses to maintain his current contract. That figure ranks just outside the top-20 EDGEs' 2018 salaries.
Irvin, if put in a position to succeed within a scheme fitted to his skillset, can still be a top-20 EDGE in the NFL.
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) February 16, 2018
The Raiders have no reasonable options behind Irvin so it’s at least a little strange that they may be willing to lose him over a few million dollars.
The only logical explanation is that the Raiders plan to go big at the position in either free agency or the draft – and possibly even a trade.
Considering Ezekiel Ansah is the only considerable upgrade to Irvin as a pass rusher, it seems likely the Raiders are willing to either pay big money to Ansah or heavily focus on Irvin’s replacement in the draft (which would obviously be the more risky option of the two).
It shouldn’t be ignored that Jon Gruden noted after this year’s Super Bowl that despite all the great offense, the game was ultimately decided by the Eagles’ relentless pass rush.
The fact that Gruden isn’t willing to “settle” for an above-average compliment to Khalil Mack could mean the Raiders are hoping to reel in one of the big fish at the position.
For all the conversation about adding running backs, wide receivers, and cornerbacks, there’s a good chance Gruden’s most aggressive roster move (or moves) in the months ahead will come along the defensive line.
twitter: @raidersbeat
I can see them making a run at Ansah, which would be REALLY nice! However, McKenzie isn’t a guy who does trades. He’s a very conservative guy who likes to plod along, building through the draft and playing a little in free agency.
Since he can’t seem to get the top end of the draft right anyway (at least since 2015), I’m definitely down for tossing out a high draft pick in a trade for a quality edge guy, a DT, or even a proven DB.
Sheldon Richardson DT!!!! He will immediately improve this DEFENSE! Can collapse the pocket from the inside allowing Mack and Irvin to FEAST! You’ll be amazed how much better our DB’s will look with a pass rush! Mack will become defensive player of the year with 15+ sacks when QB’s can no longer step up. Also sign Novarro and get him a legitimate partner!!!
RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!
Sheldon Richardson DT!!!! He will immediately improve this DEFENSE! Can collapse the pocket from the inside allowing Mack and Irvin to FEAST! You’ll be amazed how much better our DB’s will look with a pass rush! Mack will become defensive player of the year with 15+ sacks when QB’s can no longer step up. Also sign Novarro and get him a legitimate partner!!!
RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!