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The Jacksonville Jaguars were the favorites to sign free agent linebacker Bruce Irvin, but now the Oakland Raiders have reached an agreement with him, according to Ian Rapaport of NFL Network.
Source: The #Raiders will sign LB Bruce Irvin when the league year starts tomorrow. Out of nowhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack… Not great news for QBs facing the Oakland #Raiders.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
Bruce Irvin's deal with #Raiders is 4 years, $37 million, including $12.5M in the first year.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2016
With the Raiders signing offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele to a reportedly massive contract worth more than $11 million per year, who knew they'd pull out the checkbook for another marquee free agent?
Irvin signing with the Raiders would be a blow to the Jaguars' free agency plans, but it wouldn't be crippling. After all, Malik Jackson was always the top priority and general manager Dave Caldwell was going to judge this free agency class by whether or not he was able to sign him. Even without Irvin, it can still turn into a great class and most likely will.