RENTON, Wash. -- Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin expressed Monday that he'd be willing to return to Seattle for less money than he might be able to get elsewhere this offseason.
"I was asked that," said Irvin, a pending unrestricted free agent. "Pete [Carroll] and John [Schneider] asked me that when I met with them today. If it came to that, I would definitely come back. $3, $4 million? $3, $4, $5 million? I would definitely come back because I'm established here.
"These are my brothers. I honestly can't even imagine myself playing with anybody else, being in a different meeting room, listening to different pregame speeches. It's just crazy to me. I would definitely come back if they matched or if it was a little less. I would definitely come back to Seattle."
The Seahawks have been able to keep the core of their roster in place. In recent years, they've negotiated new deals for players like quarterback Russell Wilson, cornerback Richard Sherman, linebacker Bobby Wagner and safety Earl Thomas.
They have seven starters currently scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this offseason and will have to make decisions on who to keep and who to let go.
The Seahawks selected Irvin with the 15th overall pick in 2012. He has started 37 games in the past three seasons, playing linebacker in the Seahawks' base defense and defensive end in their nickel package. The team had the opportunity to exercise a fifth-year option on Irvin last offseason, but it declined to do so.
One of the best athletes on the team, Irvin has demonstrated versatility in the Seahawks' scheme. He has 12 sacks in his past 25 games and 22 sacks in his four-year career.
