KC Chiefs: K.J. Wright makes sense as veteran linebacker addition
By Josh Fann
With the news that now former K.C. Chiefs linebacker Damien Wilson is headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team has an even bigger need at the linebacker position.
Wilson had served as the starting SAM linebacker for the Chiefs the last two seasons and proved to be a solid starter with 98 solo tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 deflected passes. Many expected the Chiefs to address linebacker this offseason already, but Wilson’s departure makes it that much more important that they do.
With that being said, there is one particular free agent linebacker still out there who would make sense for the Chiefs and may just come at the right price. That would be former Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright. At 31-years-old, Wright is starting to enter the twilight of his career and playing for a contender like Kansas City might just pique his interest. Wright’s market has been pretty slow so far most likely due to his age and asking price but if Kansas City can convince him to come down a little bit on his asking price then the move would make a lot of sense.
One of the biggest weakness that has plagued the Chiefs’ linebacker unit over the last several seasons is their work in coverage. The Chiefs have not had a good coverage linebacker in quite some time but luckily Wright has been among the best in the league in that aspect with over 50 passes defended in his 10-year career.
K.J. Wright could make a nice veteran addition for the Chiefs at linebacker.
Last season for the Seahawks, Wright posted 10 passes defended and a 75.9 coverage grade according to PFF. At 6’4″, 245 lbs, Wright’s size and athleticism is what allows him to be so successful in coverage and he would be the tallest linebacker on the Chiefs roster if he were to sign. Wright could also boost the Chiefs run defense and tackling as he was able to rack up 60 solo tackles, 11 for a loss, and 2 sacks in 2020.
The Chiefs could certainly use help in both those areas and Wright would most likely provide that. In addition, signing Wright would most likely push off the need for linebacker in this year’s draft if the team feels like they can’t get one, given all of their other needs. They very well could still draft a linebacker even if they sign Wright, but it would at least take away a sense of urgency.
The only concern, of course, is Wright’s age and whether or not he may decline. It can always get unpredictable when a player reaches his thirties, but Wright has still proven himself to be a good player even this far in his career. That alone should warrant some interest from Kansas City. At the right price, it makes a lot of sense.