Chicago Bears Rumors: Why Bruce Irvin is destined for Chicago
By Ryan Heckman
Reason no. 1: Irvin should clear waivers
For the Bears to be able to go ahead and sign Irvin, he will need to do one of two things. First, he could be claimed by the Bears while also going unclaimed by the teams ahead of Chicago on waiver order. If that’s the case, the Bears will be awarded his services — pretty straight forward.
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The second way — and the likeliest of scenarios — is if Irvin goes unclaimed off waivers. Then, he is free to sign with any team he would like.
The problem with claiming Irvin is the fact that a team would then be on the hook for the remainder of his contract. That deal goes through next season, which sees Irvin make $9 million while carrying a cap hit of $9.25 million.
Irvin is a good football player, but it is unlikely any team decides to take on that salary for a 31-year-old pass rusher who has never succeeded as the true no. 1 option at the position for his defense.
Therefore, if Irvin clears waivers, the Bears could be a front-runner to land him. Why would they be a front-runner?