Fansided

Report: Bruce Irvin will play for Atlanta Falcons in 2016

By Josh Hill

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons have been rumored to be a landing spot for Bruce Irvin, but he has apparently already given his verbal commitment to them a year in advance. 

The Seattle Seahawks are looking to get back to the Super Bowl for a third straight year, but this might be their last ride with star defensive end Bruce Irvin. Seattle failed to extend Irvin this offseason, and the defensive stud has made his intensions known that he wants to return home and play for the Atlanta Falcons.

There were rumors that Irvin was going to request a trade to Atlanta, but that didn’t happen and a move is unlikely before the season starts. Irvin has another year left on his contract and he intends to play it out in front of The 12th Man.

Beyond that though, Irvin’s future is a total mystery — well, unless you’re inside head.

Irvin reportedly told a reporter from BSO.com that he plans on signing with the Atlanta Falcons when he hits free agency in 2016.

"“I’m going to be in Atlanta next season. I’m ready,” said Irvin in response to my question about where he wants to be after his contract his up."

There’s a few problems with this, as the Seahawks can very easily file tampering charges with the Falcons over this, which could throw everything out of whack. That being said, the Falcons can tow the line and be very careful about communicating with Irvin as to avoid any notion that they were tampering.

Irvin is from the Atlanta area, grew up a Falcons fan and is clearly ready to go LeBron James on this situation and return home to play for his team. He has made it known that he’s upset the Seahawks didn’t pay him what he thinks he’s owed, and that has lead to a situation where he’s hand picking his next team.

Of course, a lot can happen between now and next offseason that keeps Irvin in Seattle or sees him play somewhere else in 2016. But for now, he’s letting the Falcons know that he’s ready to play for them and if all goes well.

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