Oakland’s Irvin aids Mack, shows value of free-agent bargain

Bruce Irvin’s first payday in free agency wasn’t anywhere near what Oakland will have to offer to keep pass-rushing teammate and two-time All-Pro Khalil Mack. The former first-round pick by Seattle qualifies as a high-value contributor just the same for a franchise that made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.

NFL compensates Seahawks with two extra third-round picks in 2017 draft

Last offseason, the Seattle Seahawks lost defensive starters Bruce Irvin and Brandon Mebane to former AFC West rivals Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers in free agency, as well as starting left tackle Russell Okung to another AFC West foe, the Denver Broncos , and right guard J.R. Sweezy to expansion rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . The Seahawks signed a few minor free agents themselves, but overall the contractual balance didn’t offset those moves and so now the NFL grants Seattle two relatively high compensatory draft picks in 2017.

NFL Wild Card Weekend 2017: Updated Odds, TV Schedule and Predictions

Let’s take a look at the odds and TV schedule for the weekend and offer some predictions in the form of news articles that may or may not appear in sports sections around the country over the coming days. kicked a game-winning 28-yard field goal with 1:37 remaining as the Houston Texans defeated the Oakland Raiders 16-13 on Saturday afternoon.

Irvin’s stellar play helps boost Raiders’ improving defense

Bruce Irvin has joked about being Robin to Khalil Mack’s Batman as part of a dynamic pass-rushing duo for the Oakland Raiders. Irvin is coming off perhaps his most productive game of the season for the Raiders after posting two sacks and forcing Philip Rivers into a late-game interception that sealed Oakland’s 19-16 victory Sunday to clinch the team’s first playoff berth since 2002.