Despite the Seattle Seahawks’ 2020-21 season ending earlier than anticipated, veteran linebacker K.J. Wright views his own personal season as a resounding success.
Wright had a chip on his shoulder and made a sizable positive impact on the defense in 2020, racking up 86 tackles (60 solo), 11 TFLs, two sacks, 10 passes defensed, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception in 16 games. He played a part in the defense’s unexpected turnaround in the middle of the season along with numerous other players.
“This season was everything that I hoped it would be,” Wright told reporters. “… I was balling, just looking good, making plays all over the field and it felt really, really good because a lot of people counted me out, a lot of people doubted that I could do it, and I proved to myself how good I am, I proved to the whole world how good I am.”
As he approached his tenth season in the league, Wright’s mindset was to keep working at it and enjoying himself rather than think about Father Time at age 31.
“I got to 10, and 10 looked really good,” he said. “So, OK, let’s keep looking good. I’m having fun, I love this city, I love this team, so let’s make it happen.”
A free agent this offseason, Wright stated that he is open to returning to the Emerald City in 2021, but that coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider will make the final call. The linebacker exhibited unbridled confidence in his abilities a decade into his NFL career.
“That’s up to Pete and John,” Wright said. “They know how much I mean to this team. They know that I’m a baller, they know I’m a great teammate, a great leader and it would be a great investment — in my opinion — if they invest in K.J. and to bring him back into the building. You get what you pay for and I bring a lot to the table still.”
Wright may want to stay, but he may also demand a large sum of money if he knows his worth. The Seahawks also have a few other notable free agents to make decisions on such as Chris Carson and Shaquill Griffin. How they handle this offseason will certainly be interesting.
