5 players who Seahawks need to be great in 2020

3. Bruce Irvin

Olsen isn’t the only big-name veteran making the move from Carolina to Seattle this season. Bruce Irvin isn’t a stranger to life with the Seahawks, but Carroll and his staff are very glad to have the aging pass rusher back in the fold.

Irvin isn’t well-suited to be a three-down linebacker anymore, but he can still rush the passer at a high level. That’s just what the Seahawks need him to do. No one on the roster notched more than four sacks for this defense in 2019.

Irvin figures to get the first chance to lock down the team’s starting spot at the LEO linebacker spot. That position is designed to generate pressure on passing downs for Carroll’s defense. They need Irvin to pin his ears back and become a top-notch pass rusher on third down.

Irvin doesn’t need to lead the NFL in sacks to be effective, but he might need to lead the Seahawks in that category. Flirting with double-digit sacks would be an excellent return on Seattle’s investment. It also might be enough to make the Seahawks’ defense as good as their offense.