Arizona Cardinals pursuing Bruce Irvin

The Arizona Cardinals search for a pass rush takes them to the northwest

The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly interested in acquiring a pass rusher they know a lot about, free agent Bruce Irvin, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, is gaining a lot of attention around the league, but within the NFC West, the interest appears to be hot, and it makes sense. The Arizona Cardinals have a need at pass rush, an affordable, dynamic rusher is something they need, with some young talent in the draft.

Josh Alper of NBC Sports is reporting, via Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic and Ian Rappaport of NFL.com, that the Cardinals have taken an interest in Irvin. The Falcons and Jaguars, both sporting ties back to the Seattle coaching staff, have also been linked to the free agent linebacker.

Irvin had 22 sacks over the last four seasons and looks to cost more money than the Seahawks will offer in return, even with the free agent offering a slight home team discount to go back to Seattle.

Last week the Cardinals presented low tenders to some core members of the defensive backfield in preparation of trimming some salary before free agency opens on Wednesday, all indications are that the Cardinals look to make a splash, but don’t have the funds they’ve had in previous years to do so.

The 28 year old had five and a half sacks last season, he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Seahawks, his most productive year. In a four year career he has 132 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two touchdowns.

If rumors are to be believed then Irvin looks to land around the $8m-$10m/year range in free agency on a four to five year contract.