Irvin takes high road following release from Raiders

Defensive end Bruce Irvin took the high road in showing his appreciation for the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, one day after he was released by the team. "Thank you for your part in my journey," the 31-year-old Irvin wrote on Twitter. "Specifically thank you to owner Mark Davis, G.M. Reggie McKenzie, Coach Jon Gruden, and the entire Raiders organization. I will always cherish my experience with the Oakland Raiders. "As the seasons change, so do our roles and I look forward to continuing my journey with the NFL." The Raiders' move was not considered surprising, since Irvin -- who was a team captain at the start of the season -- was not deemed a good fit within the team's base defense by Gruden. "We would like to thank Bruce Irvin for his years of service to the Oakland Raiders and we wish him the best," McKenzie said. Irvin, who is making $8.25 million this season, played only nine defensive snaps in the Raiders' 34-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Irvin played in all eight contests this season and made six starts, collecting six tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble. One of the Raiders' highest-paid players, Irvin had his playing time reduced this season. He played only 48 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Irvin recorded 18 sacks and 11 forced fumbles in two-plus seasons with the Raiders. He has 252 tackles, 40 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions in 98 career contests with the Seattle Seahawks and Raiders. If any team wants to pay Irvin the approximately $4 million he's due for the rest of the year, that team can claim him. If he passes through waivers, he'll be an unrestricted free agent. Irvin's $8.25 million salary this season ranks fourth on the team behind quarterback Derek Carr ($25 million), and guards Kelechi Osemele and Gabe Jackson (both who are reportedly at $10.5 million).