K.J.

Wright

Wright spent 10 of his 11 seasons in Seattle and signed a one-day contract to retire as a Seahawk. An important member of Seattle’s legendary Legion of Boom defenses in the early 2010s, Wright finishes his career with 992 tackles, one Pro-Bowl appearance, and a Super Bowl ring.

Wright hinted he could retire if the Seahawks don’t bring him back. The 32-year-old spent the 2021 season with the Raiders, posting 50 tackles and two TFLs in a part-time role.

It was easy for the two sides to reach an agreement since the veteran linebacker is already familiar with DC Gus Bradley’s scheme stemming from their time together with the Seahawks. The 32-year-old recorded 86 tackles in 16 starts for Seattle last year and will step into Las Vegas’ starting lineup by default after that unit finished as one of just seven teams to permit 6.0 yards per play in 2020.

Wright recorded 86 tackles in 16 starts for Seattle last year, and he’d offer a much-needed boost to the Las Vegas defense. The veteran linebacker is already familiar with the scheme, having played under DC Gus Bradley during his time with the Seahawks. Wright was also tied to the Cowboys earlier this offseason, but nothing came of it. Ian Rapoport later added that Wright didn’t sign with the Raiders following his visit and that he has had talks with a few other teams. Wright winding up in Vegas is still a possibility.

Wright’s had a thin market since turning down a team-friendly offer from the Seahawks. The sides haven’t talked since April, but things may heat up closer to training camp. 32-year-old Wright played last year at a $5 million salary.

Wright was reportedly unwilling to take a team-friendly deal to stay in Seattle but has yet to earn a contract anywhere else. Knowing the market for Wright is thin, Seattle is likely doubling back on trying to sign Wright to a minor contract. Wright started for a decade in Seattle and was still effective in 2020. He racked up 86 tackles and two sacks across 16 games. Wright will have to wait until the rookies are dished out via the draft to sign a deal at this point.

“I do too much on the field to take a discount. That makes absolutely no sense,” Wright said in an appearance on the Jim Rome show. “I have a family I’m trying to set up long-term success. So that’s out of the question.” A 10-year starter, Wright remained effective in 2020, posting 86 tackles, two sacks, an interception and 11 TFLs. The 31-year-old will likely be allowed to test free agency this offseason.

Coach Pete Carroll said Wright’s recovered faster than expected from offseason surgery. It’s a great sign he’s already practicing. Wright’s Week 1 status isn’t in doubt.

It doesn’t sound like there is concern about Wright missing the beginning of training camp. Schneider also divulged more Wright news, admitting he could be shifted to strong-side linebacker following the team’s selection of LB Jordyn Brooks at No. 27 overall. Going on 31, Wright has been parked on the weak-side since 2013, though he is coming off his weakest season in years. Wright also missed 11 games with injury in 2018. The Wright/Brooks dynamic will be one of the stories of ‘Hawks camp.

According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the deal is worth “up to” $15 million dollars. It is a disappointing contract for a player who has been one of the better linebackers in the league over the last decade, but the 29-year old missed 11 games last season because of a lingering knee injury. Even so, getting him back is good news for Seattle’s defense.