WVU product Bruce Irvin heats up free agency

Bruce Irvin made a huge impact for the WVU football team from 2010-12.

In his four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Irvin has helped the team to a pair of Super Bowl appearances and even a world title.

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

This past season, he had 38 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Next season, he could be playing for a different team.

Rumors of Irvin, a free agent, leaving Seattle picked up this week. The Jacksonville Jaguars, or his hometown Atlanta Falcons could be a landing spot.

"“Per a league source, Jacksonville is one of the teams to watch next week, when the time comes for the former West Virginia standout to hit the market” Inquisitr reports. “Jaguars coach Gus Bradley was the defensive coordinator in Seattle during Irvin’s rookie year, during which he recorded eight sacks.”"

Market value projects Irvin could make upwards of $8 million for this season.

But, if the price is wrong (yes, wrong), Irvin could remain in Seattle.

In January, Irvin said he would even take a pay cut of $3-$5 million to continue playing with the Seahawks.

More from Hail WV

“These are my brothers,” Irvin said. “I honestly can’t even imagine myself playing with anybody else, being in a different meeting room, listening to different pregame speeches. It’s just crazy to me. I would definitely come back if they matched or if it was a little less. I would definitely come back to Seattle.”

Just like his is with his alma mater, Irvin is loyal to Seattle. He seemingly loves the fans and the 12th Man mentality at CenturyLink Field.

Irvin is a regular at WVU football and basketball games, when he has time to come to Morgantown, even during the NFL season. He began his college career, after a troubled upbringing in Georgia, at a pair of community colleges before landing at WVU.

Related Story: Player Spotlight

Irvin remains beloved by his fans in Morgantown, and he could become a legend across the country in Seattle, if he chooses to stay with the Seahawks.

He was a second round pick by the team in the 2012 NFL Draft.

"“I mean, I love Seattle, and I want to spend the rest of my career there,” said Irvin, according to a radio show in Seattle. “Like I always say, those guys took a chance on me when everybody wasn’t even thinking about me. I probably would have went second, third round.“We’re just going to let it play out. It’ll take care of itself. Hopefully it happens, being back in Seattle.”"

Now, Irvin could just be blowing smoke and indirectly negotiating with Seattle. But if he is genuine, and Irvin seems to be the guy is generally is genuine, he could definitely remain a Seahawks next season.

No matter where he ends up professionally, he will still have his fans chanting his name, “Bruuuuuuce,” in Morgantown.

Home/West Virginia Mountaineers