K.J. Wright is still looking for his next NFL gig, and the veteran linebacker continues to hint that he could end up back with the Seahawks.
“Yes, there is a chance,” Wright said during an appearance on SiriusXM Radio (via Twitter). “There is a chance, and I’m not closing the door on Seattle. Going into free agency, I thought it’d be a no-brainer, but they’re going to wait until training camp, so we’ll see. No matter what happens, my career in Seattle was just unforgettable”
This isn’t the first time the 10-year veteran has suggested re-signing with the Seahawks, but the organization has continued to keep their distance as they pivot to their youth. The organization wants their top 2020 draft picks, Jordyn Brooks and Darrell Taylor, to become starters next to Bobby Wagner, who’s currently the NFL’s highest-paid off-ball ‘backer. Considering the date, it’s unlikely Wright would command a pricey contract, but there’s no clear role for him on the current squad.
On the flip side, the two camps have agreed to three contracts since Wright joined Seattle as a fourth-round pick in 2011, and he’s earned a Super Bowl ring and a Pro Bowl nod during his decade with the organization. The soon-to-be 32-year-old also continued producing in 2020, finishing with 86 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks in 16 starts. It’s unlikely his career is over.
If Wright doesn’t land back in Seattle, it sounds like he’s ready to contribute to his next team. The veteran cited his versatility as a reason for why he’d fit in with practically any team.
“For me, I believe that it’s what a team wants from me,” Wright said. “I know what I provide to a team, I know that coming off my two best seasons after I suffered a knee injury – had my two best years, played phenomenal, switched positions…I know that I can go into a training camp, pick up the playbook, nice and easy…[and] go out to perform in any position that want me at.”
Class act and great player, deserves better but it makes sense why he’s not getting the offers he wants.
That depends-does Seattle want to win today at all costs or play for a long term contending spot?
They’ve drafted starters to replace Wright, but as of now, Brooks at the very least is pretty far behind Wright as a player. The thing I don’t get is why K.J. Wright keeps bringing up a return to the Seahawks and then immediately following it with a disclaimer that he will not take a “hometown discount” to do so. The Seahawks are not awash in cap space. If Wright wants to return, he should realize that he is not going to get a top end contract. If he does not, and he wants a bigger contract, then he should stop mentioning it. Right or wrong, Seattle is not paying more than the smallest amount that they can to bring in anyone new at that position. Wright’s either taking a “discount” or going elsewhere.
Shocking to me that Eagles havent even been linked to Wright or Alexander. Considering the play of their linebackers last season and the minimal salary commitment it would take. Why does Roseman still have a job?
Minimal salary?…he is not looking for a minimal contract. If he was he would be signed already by seattle or somewhere.