Seahawks' Bruce Irvin on playing future: 'I would love to be in Seattle'

Just weeks after curiously making it known that he'd be playing for the Atlanta Falcons by 2016, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin appears to be taking a different approach in addressing his future.

Speaking with NFL Media's Tony Garcia in an interview that will air on NFL Network next week, Irvin explained that Seattle being the team to give him a chance at the pro level has him wanting to stay in town long-term.

I have one year left. I would love to be in Seattle. That was the team that gave me a chance when nobody else did. A lot of people told me I wasn't a first-round pick, but Pete (Carroll) and (general manager) John Schneider took a chance on me, so like I said I would love to be there, but I'm just going to go out here, I've been working my butt off, I'm going to go out here and have the biggest year of my career next year.

The standout pass-rusher will be a candidate to receive a relatively substantial long-term deal when he becomes a free agent next offseason, but it remains to be seen whether that will be with the Seahawks.

While the team would likely hope to keep him as a part of its dominant defensive unit going forward, quarterback Russell Wilson's looming contract extension could make it more difficult to spend the necessary money if Irvin puts together another strong year.

The 27-year-old has appeared in 43 games and made 25 starts since joining the Seahawks as a first-round draft selection in 2012, making an impact as an edge rusher with 16.5 sacks over that span.