The Cardinals and Seahawks will do battle in the NFC West again in 2016 and the Cardinals may try to improve their chances by signing linebacker Bruce Irvin as a free agent.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media and Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic both report that Arizona is interested in adding Irvin to their defense when free agency opens on Wednesday. Rapoport adds that the Falcons and Jaguars, each with a former Seahawks defensive coordinator as their head coach, also have “clear interest” in Irvin.
The Cardinals have made it clear that upping the productivity of the pass rush is a top priority of the offseason. Irvin had 22 sacks in four years with the Seahawks and said he’s open to staying in Seattle “if the money was close,” but it’s probably less likely to happen if there’s as much interest in his services as it appears there will be.
Somers reports that Rams defensive end William Hayes is also on the Cardinals’ radar. Hayes had 21.5 sacks for the Rams while starting 20 games over the last four seasons.