Ex-Raider Irvin gets deal from Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons made a move to bolster their pass rush by agreeing to a one-year deal with defensive end Bruce Irvin on Wednesday, reuniting the veteran with coach Dan Quinn.

Irvin, cut by the Raiders on Saturday, became a free agent after clearing waivers Tuesday with $3.8 million remaining on his contract. The Falcons play at Cleveland on Sunday.

Irvin, 31, is an Atlanta native. He celebrated his return home by posting on his Twitter account “Man it’s time! You can’t put a price on the chance for me to play for my people and city! It’s bigger than money!”

Irvin was expected to arrive in Atlanta on Wednesday night and join practice Thursday. Quinn said Irvin will play against Cleveland.

The Falcons (4-4) rank 27th in the league with 17 sacks.

Irvin had three sacks with Oakland, but played only nine snaps in a 34-3 loss to the 49ers last Thursday night.

Irvin (6-foot-3, 250) played four seasons with Seattle before joining the Raiders in 2016. He had eight sacks as a rookie in 2012 and matched that career high with Oakland in 2017.

For his career, Irvin has 40 sacks and 15 forced fumbles.

“He’s definitely a big addition to our team,” said defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who has three sacks. “As a player and as a person, we know the personality he plays with matches what we want to portray or have up front, that dog mentality. We’re ready to go hunt.”

Briefly: Wide receiver Dez Bryant agreed to join the already prolific Saints offense. The former Cowboys Pro Bowler has been looking for an NFL home since becoming a free agent in April. Bryant, 30, spent his first eight years in the NFL with Dallas and last season caught 69 passes for 838 yards and six touchdowns. “There is certainly a skill set that he has that is going to be beneficial,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. “So I look forward to getting to work with him.” ... Sam Darnold could be headed for the sideline this week — and maybe longer. The Jets’ rookie quarterback has a strained right foot, coach Todd Bowles announced, leaving his status for the team’s game Sunday against the Bills in doubt. Bowles said it was too early to rule out Darnold for the game.