According to multiple reports, the Oakland Raiders are releasing defensive end Bruce Irvin, a team captain at the start of the season, in a move that was not surprising after coach Jon Gruden noted that Irvin does not fit within his team’s base defense.
Irvin, who is making $8.25 million this season, played only nine defensive snaps in the Raiders’ 34-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last Thursday night.
One of the Raiders’ highest-paid players, Irvin had his playing time reduced this season. He played only 48 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Irvin had three sacks in eight games for a Raiders’ defense that ranks last in the NFL with seven sacks this season. In two-plus seasons with the Raiders, Irvin, 31, had 18 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. He has 40 sacks in a career that included four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
If any team wants to pay him the approximately $4 million he’s due for the rest of the year, that team can claim him. If he passes through waivers, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
Irvin’s $8.25 million salary this season ranks fourth on the team behind quarterback Derek Carr ($25 million), and guards Kelechi Osemele and Gabe Jackson (both who are reportedly at $10.5 million).
