Panthers: Top 5 offseason departures who will thrive on new teams
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS. player. BRUCEIRVIN. 4. 36
Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Bruce Irvin (EDGE)
Although the Carolina Panthers struggled overall on defense in 2019. Bruce Irvin put together a nice season that ended with eight sacks and 22 solo tackles.
This was enough for the edge rusher to get a one-year, $5.5 million deal from the Seattle Seahawks in free agency that includes $5 million guaranteed. And he will look to bolster a defensive unit that endured their worst season since Pete Carroll took over at the helm.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Irvin appears to have plenty left in the tank if last season’s efforts were any indication. His loss to the Panthers might not be felt that much due to the expected strength of their front seven. But that does not mean he cannot make more than a valuable contribution to Seattle’s pursuit of another Vince Lombardi Trophy.
It will be the player’s second spell with the organization after being part of their legendary Legion of Boom in the 2010s. Irvin has made a prolific career out of his exceptional skill set. And it would be a huge shock if he didn’t thrive next season.
The Panthers do have the likes of Brian Burns, Stephen Weatherly, and second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos to fill the void. The trio should get plenty of chances to shine thanks to the presence of Derrick Brown and veteran Kawann Short on the interior. And they are explosive enough to see Carolina continue their trend of being among the NFL’s sack leaders in 2020.