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NFL Free Agency: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) blocks Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) blocks Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside Linebacker Bruce Irvin

Statistics

Raiding the Seattle Seahawks defensive stockpile would be another ideal scenario for San Francisco this offseason.

And outside linebacker Bruce Irvin would be another nice addition for what the 49ers are trying to do on defense in 2016.

Irvin’s future with Seattle is in doubt. The Seahawks have their own cap questions heading into the offseason, and it’s plausible they don’t view the outside linebacker as a part of their plans.

Irvin’s numbers in 2015 may not be off the charts. He registered 22 tackles and 5.5 sacks. But if the 49ers were to feature him in a more prominent role alongside outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, the 28-year-old Irvin may see those numbers increase to a large extent.

Either way, a player like Irvin would be an upgrade at the position and would be a much younger option than 31-year-old outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks.

Next: WR Marvin Jones