The Seahawks maintained KJ Wright two years ago, he fulfilled his third contract as the oldest player on the team. It looks like the veteran linebacker will make a concerted effort to maximize its value this year.
Before his 32-year season, Wright may have just one more chance at a notable payday in the NFL. If the Seahawks want to keep Bobby Wagnerlong-time linebacker partner, they will have to beat the bids of other suitors.
“I do a lot on the football field to get a discount, ”Said Wright during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show (via ESPN.com). “It makes absolutely no sense. If you want to win all these championships and look good on Sundays, you have to make up for your guys who are making moves. “
Last month, Wright said he would be looking forward to returning to Seattle with a fourth contract. But it is clear that he will not make any financial sacrifices for this. Wright was ranked as the best Pro Football Focus off-ball linebacker last season; he was the only player to post double-digit totals on defeat tackles (11) and defended passes (10). He started 140 of his 144 career games since the Seahawks recruited him in the fourth round of 2011.
“It would be a beautiful story if I could set it up with the Seahawks”Said Wright. “This is something of the legendary type. I believe it would be a great investment for Seattle to keep me going because, as you saw, since I’m here, we have been nothing but incredible – always making it to the playoffs, winning our division, so they know how much I want to be here.
“But at the end of the day, I understood. They have to free up some space to make things happen, so they need to get busy. “
Seattle has Wagner’s $ 18 million a year contract on his books until 2022. And the team took Jordyn Brooks in the first round of last year, potentially signaling Wright’s departure. Wright signed a two-year deal worth $ 14 million in 2019. The Seahawks only have $ 4 million in capitalization space – a number that ranks 18th on Wednesday – and have Shaquill Griffin and Chris Carson joining Wright as future free agents. Russell Wilson lobbying for offensive line updates can also be a factor in this equation.
Wright would join Lavonte David and Matt Milano as the best free linebacker agents. Buccaneers will do what they can to keep David, although they have many high-priority UFAs, while the Bills are prepared to let Milano hit the market.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.