It didn’t take long for former West Virginia linebacker/defensive end Bruce Irvin to start talking about paychecks. Just two weeks after Irvin was selected 15th overall by the Seattle Seahawks, the two sides came to an agreement on Monday.
The deal made Irvin the first player drafted in the first round this year to reach an agreement with his team. The deal is reportedly a four-year deal worth $9.3 million dollars, with a signing bonus of $5 million. Irvin did not have to think twice before accepting the lucrative deal.
To put it in perspective, the 15th overall pick last year, Mike Pouncey, received a rookie contract worth $9.2 million. Although Irvin has yet to prove is worth in the league to this point, one thing the contract highlights about Irvin is his commitment.
There are rookies in the league that will hold out until they get the amount of money they believe they deserve, and at the same time, miss some quality practice time and time in general to get acclimated with their new teammates. Irvin on the other hand, wanted to make sure all money talk was settled early on, so he can have the chance to focus on improving his game.
One thing that did work in Irvin’s favor in signing early was the fact that he was a first round pick. Irvin to the Seahawks was known as the reach of the first round to many analysts, but the fact that he went in the first round allowed his stock to rise when it came to contract negotiations.
One thing is for sure, Irvin got the ball rolling for more players to sign in the upcoming days. That initial signing has the tendency to set the standard for contract negotiations between players and their respective teams.
Time will tell whether the Seahawks made a monstrous mistake in taking Irvin, or if he really is worth the reported $9.3 million they are giving him. Irvin will be coming into the league with a chip on his shoulder. The only thing left to find out is how much that chip is worth.
Photo Credit: Daylife.com
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