The Jacksonville Jaguars need a solid outside linebacker - and Bruce Irvin might be the guy to finally bring this defense together. The Jaguars have struck gold with players like Tevin Coleman, but the jury is still out on Dante Fowler, Jr. since he has not yet played a single NFL snap. However, if they were able to land a player like Irvin, this defense will be a force to be reckoned with.
The Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley was the Seattle Seahawks' defensive coordinator during Irvin's rookie season and this could be the connection needed to land the free agent. Irvin is only 28 years old and, in 2015, he started in 12 games, recorded 38 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 pass defenses and a forced fumble. Over Irvin's career, he has 131 combined tackles, 22 sacks, 7 pass defenses, 4 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions and 2 defensive touchdowns. Irvin may not be the most productive pass rusher, but he can be a quality cover linebacker, and let's not forget Bradley got Irvin one of his best sack-producing seasons since he came into the NFL.
The Jaguars primary offseason need revolves around landing another solid cornerback to pair with Davon House. The Jaguars will have a ton of cap space, so it is likely they could find all of the pieces they need to build an elite defense through free agency. They also have the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, which means they could get a top five prospect at any position. If the Jaguars play their cards right, they could finish the rebuilding of this defense in one offseason.
The Jaguars may have some competition when it comes down to signing Irvin, though, as the Atlanta Falcons also have an inside track on the former Seahawk. Dan Quinn is now the head coach of the Falcons and spent a ton of time with Irvin in Seattle, so it is possible the Falcons could be another destination on Irvin's radar. There are a solid amount of teams who need a quality outside linebacker such as the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears.
