Carolina Panthers have decided to replace retired defensive end Julius Peppers with Bruce Irvin. Panthers announced the signing of Irvin on Tuesday, confirming that the 31-year-old inked a one-year deal with the team.
“Our primary focus coming into the offseason was to add talent to our offensive line and our front on defense, primarily in the area of rushing the passer,” – said Panthers’ general manager Marty Hurney said. “Bruce has a knack for sacking and disrupting the quarterback. We are very pleased to have him as a member of the Carolina Panthers.”
Irvin split 2018 between stints with Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders and finished last season with 19 tackles and 6.5 sacks. This convinced Carolina that he has lots more to offer and they will probably make him their starting defensive end due to Peppers’ retirement and Wes Horton’s imminent exit.
Bruce Irvin started his career with the Seattle Seahawks, who took him 15th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent four years in Seattle, during which he won one Super Bowl ring, before signing a deal with the Raiders.
Irvin’s career stats include 265 tackles, 43.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.
