RENTON, Wash. -- Linebacker Bruce Irvin was asked Thursday about the possibility that he's playing his final games as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

"It could be," Irvin said. "I’m hoping it’s not. But it could be. I’m just trying to make the best of it. I’ve had a great four years here. I’ve been put in a great situation, being able to come in and didn’t have to start and have a lot of pressure on me my first year. I was able to [transition] into a ‘backer and feel this thing out. It’s been a blessing. I’ve enjoyed it, and I will always appreciate Pete [Carroll] and John [Schneider]. But like you said, it could be the last three games. But we’ll handle it when we get to it."

Irvin has been a three-year starter after getting eased in as a rookie back in 2012. The Seahawks spent the 15th overall pick on him, but now Irvin is a pending free agent.

The team had a chance to exercise a fifth-year option on him last offseason, but chose not to do so. The options now are to sign him to an extension or see him join another team.

Irvin has 5.5 sacks on the season, but has played a versatile role as a linebacker in the Seahawks' base defense and a defensive end in their sub packages. He's one of the best athletes on the roster.

"Just a constant development has been one thing that’s stood out about him," said defensive coordinator Kris Richard. "The improvement each and every single week. He’s been able to come out there and not only play linebacker for us, but put his hand in the ground when we need him in pass-rush situations and get after the quarterback."

Asked about Irvin's ability to block out the contract questions and focus on playing, Richard said, "That’s one of our rules of the room, is to stay focused on what you can control. You can’t control the future, you can’t control what anyone’s going to do about your contract or anything of that nature. All you can do is go out there and play the best football you possibly can."

There is no obvious replacement for Irvin on the roster, but given the talented squad the Seahawks have assembled, they'll once again be forced to make difficult decisions this offseason. Irvin, however, made it clear that he'd like to come back.

"Being away from these boys, it’s different," he said. "We play for each other. The contract and stuff is cool, but at the end of the day we’re out here playing for each other, for our families. You just want to make the best out of it while you can."