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Chicago Bears Free Agency: Outside Linebackers

By Carlos Nazario

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates the win over the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates the win over the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Bruce Irvin — Seattle Seahawks

Being a member of the Legion of Boom has its privileges. Bruce Irvin will be one of the most coveted linebackers in free agency.

Of course, the Seattle Seahawks do not want to see this happen, but according to Overthecap.com, they are projected to have just over $23.2 million in cap space. They have a few other players that will require some attention, most notably Kam Chancellor, Michael Bennett and Russell Okung.

Irvin was the Seahawks first round draft pick (15th overall) in the 2012 draft. He has been a versatile and dependable player for the team. This season, he had 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. For his career, he has 143 tackles 22.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Irvin has played in Seattle’s 4-3 defensive scheme, but he is athletic and can adjust to a different scheme, and Vic Fangio’s defense is a hybrid, so while the base is a 3-4, he also utilizes some 4-3 as well.

With Irvin, the Chicago Bears would have some young, athletic linebackers, a unit that has had success in college and the pros. Irvin and McPhee have Super Bowl rings they could break out and show the other players, and they could help Christian Jones, who won a championship at Florida State, at inside linebacker.

An Irvin-McPhee combination would make the Chicago Bears a tough defense. Having players with championship pedigree helps transform a team. They know what it takes to win, and they can help their teammates.

Irvin can rush the quarterback, and he could cover as well. Being a good cover guy would really help take some pressure off the Chicago Bears’ secondary, as the NFC North has some talented quarterbacks and receivers. The unit had its ups and downs this season, and many times they looked shaky, even while doing their job.

Irvin would not be the best defensive player on the team, but he would fit in and do his job well. That is something needed on the Chicago Bears defense.

Next: He Is The Crown Jewel Of Free Agency

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