Irvin happy to leave Raiders for hometown Falcons: 'I'm free!'

Bruce Irvin is apparently ecstatic to have been released by the Oakland Raiders, and the pass-rusher let everyone know it during his first practice with the Atlanta Falcons.

"I'm free! I'm free!" Irvin yelled as he left the locker room Thursday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The veteran defensive end leaves the 1-7 Raiders for a Falcons team on a three-game winning streak, and also finally gets to play in his hometown after a failed push to sign in Atlanta as a free agent in 2012.

"Kind of, yesterday it hit me a little bit," said Irvin. "I know I looked scared, but I really was crying yesterday. This is a childhood dream for me, man.

"Growing up watching Michael Vick and guys like Terance Mathis, guys like that, this was always my dream. For me to be able to come and live it out was a surreal moment. I'm just very fortunate to be an Atlanta Falcon right now."

Irvin joins a group of pass-rushers that includes Takkarist McKinley, Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett, and Jack Crawford.

The unit has produced 17 sacks this season - 27th in the league - and will need Irvin to contribute immediately if the Falcons are to continue to move toward a playoff spot after a 1-4 start.