The Atlanta Falcons drafted Vic Beasley to be their next-best pass rusher in the new Dan Quinn era. Coming from the Seattle Seahawks, Quinn plans on making defense a priority and Beasley starts that effort. However, could certain Seahawks players be eyeing a move down south to help progress their former coach's plan? After the Michael Bennett trade rumors finally stopped, Bruce Irvin is speaking up about his desire to re-team with Quinn next year.
According to Samuel Logan of Black Sports Online, Irvin wants to sign with the Falcons next season. While attending an Atlanta Hawks playoff game on Wednesday night, Irvin told the media that he plans on being a Falcon next year in free agency.
"I'm going to be in Atlanta next season. I'm ready. Atlanta is where I want to be. Believe that," Irvin said, via Black Sports Online.
Falcons' fans like the sound of that. The interest in Atlanta comes after the Seattle Seahawks declined to pick up Irvin's fifth-year option which would have earned the linebacker $7.8 million in 2016. As a result, Irvin will be a free agent next summer with the chance to sign anywhere he wants. The linebacker who is originally from Atlanta sounds pretty enthusiastic about heading back home and reuniting with his former defensive coordinator.
This is not the first time one of Quinn's former players wanted to re-team with him. Heading into the NFL Draft, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star Telegram reported that Bennett was seeking a trade to Atlanta while also requesting a new contract come with it. The Falcons opted to focus on getting players in the draft rather than give up draft picks to acquire the defensive star. Bennett denied that he was demanding a trade, but did confirm that he wanted a new contract.
The Seattle Seahawks have denied that either Irvin or Bennett are available in a deal. According to the Seattle Times, the Seahawks are still planning on signing Irvin to a new contract even though they did not pick up his option. Irvin expressed his unhappiness regarding the contract issue on social media. If the Seahawks offer a new deal, he might head elsewhere regardless.
For now, the Falcons have confidence in their current roster. Beasley earned rave reviews after his debut at rookie mini-camp. Current roster players like Paul Worrilow and Rashede Hageman has also looked strong in their first practices with Quinn. The head coach has a lot of faith in the roster Atlanta has, but if Irvin comes along next season it is hard to see the team turn him down.
