KC Chiefs mentioned as potential landing spot for K.J. Wright

A recent column by Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon laid out a list of the best remaining free agents in the National Football League and where each player might land. When it comes to potential additions for the K.C. Chiefs, linebacker K.J. Wright was brought up as a possible target.

K.J. Wright is well-known to NFL fans as a longtime, important part of the Seattle Seahawks defense. As a former fourth-round pick back in 2011, Wright’s certainly in the twilight of his career and at the age of 31, he’s likely to veer more toward veteran contributor than impact starter. That said, Wright has been a starter in the heart of Pete Carroll’s defense for each of the last 10 seasons and it’s possible he still has one or more seasons left in him at such a level.

Over the last two years, Wright has started every single game for the Seahawks, so concerns about durability should be answered. In ’20, Wright had 86 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 10 passes deflected, and 1 interception for the Seahawks.

K.J. Wright mentioned as a potential free agent for K.C. Chiefs.

The downside here is that Wright allowed a 106.6 passer rating and a 77 percent completion rate in coverage last season, per Pro Football Reference. Those numbers aren’t trending well and age isn’t likely going to help with the trajectory here.

That said, the former Pro Bowler is available as a veteran addition with Super Bowl experience and a strong reputation as a civic leader. For the Chiefs, such a player could be a nice addition in the second level at a low cost. With players like Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. to develop inside, Wright could bring some helpful perspective alongside Anthony Hitchens in the locker room.

At this point, the Chiefs are likely done shopping for any veteran free agents like this, at least at the linebacker position, but Wright wouldn’t be the worst idea if the price was right. However, there’s also a reason that Seattle is letting him walk after 10 years in the middle. Any agreement between the Chiefs and Wright would likely be for a veteran’s minimum over a single season, which shows what anyone should even expect from such a move.