In search of more potential help on the pass rush, the Detroit Lions are bringing in veteran Bruce Irvin. Per numerous reports, Irvin is signing with the Lions practice squad.
Detroit opened the space on the practice squad earlier in the day by releasing running back Devine Ozigbo. By adding Irvin, the Lions should remain hopeful that Irvin has plenty left in the tank as the 36-year old veteran is playing for his 5th team in as many seasons.
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Irvin was the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft to the Seattle Seahawks. During that time it was surprising to see Irvin selected that high as the national media didn’t have him predicted to be a first round pick. However, he had become a top draft pick due to his strong Scouting Combine performance where he ran a 4.50 second 40-yard dash and 6.70 second time in the 3-cone drill.
Overall, he spent six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks where he posted 25.5 sacks and 31 tackles-for-loss. In addition to that, he spent three seasons with the Raiders and spent time with the Bears, Falcons and Panthers. Last season, Irvin played for the Seahawks and he posted 3.5 sacks with 10 games started.
This move might not necessarily move the needle to give the Lions an elite edge rusher opposite of Aidan Hutchinson. However, it does give them another body to try and add into their rotation as they await the return of James Houston. Head coach Dan Campbell said to the media today that “late December” seems like the ideal timeline for a potential return from Houston.
Time will tell on James Houston. For now, the Lions move forward with Bruce Irvin. They’ll hope he’ll be able to get up to speed as the Lions push for their first division championship since 1993. To capture that, they’ll need help with their pass rush. Maybe Irvin can provide a spark down the stretch for Detroit.