Seattle Seahawks: The case to bring back a team legend
Case against Wright
At almost 33, he’s old in football years, and his best days are in the past. Besides, if the Seattle Seahawks really wanted him, they wouldn’t have let him walk in free agency last year. It’s that simple. What else can be said?
There is another side to bringing him back. Any playing time takes valuable snaps and experience away from the youngsters. The young guys need as many reps and snaps as possible to gain as much experience as possible.
This defense that Hurtt envisions requires players on the edge who can rush the passer consistently and also be able to drop into coverage. Those edge players need to be credible pass-rushing threats while also being able to handle tight ends and running backs in coverage. Wright isn’t a rushing threat to opposing quarterbacks, as evidenced by his 12.5 career sacks in 11 years. So, when he comes onto the field, it will tip teams off that he’s dropping in coverage.
Other teams might not think seeing Wright in coverage is a bad thing. In three of the last four seasons, opposing quarterbacks had a rating of over 100 against him, including an amazing 115.4 in 2021.
Citing Precedent
Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll is no stranger to bringing back his former players. He loves players who have experience playing for him, especially on defense. Al Woods, Bruce Irvin, and Benson Mayowa are all good examples from recent history. For 2022, Carroll brought back corner, Justin Coleman.
Ruling on the Case
The best scenario that can happen for all parties involved is that the Seattle Seahawks sign Wright to a one-year and low dollar-amount deal. As previously mentioned, his experience and knowledge cannot be overstated. It outweighs the other negatives. And Carroll is comfortable recycling players who know his system.
This Seattle Seahawks defense is fairly young, and adding another veteran would be beneficial and, frankly, is necessary. While he’s not a classic pass-rushing threat, if Wright can get pressure a few weeks in a row, especially early in the season, that helps change the perception of his on-field job and what he’s there to do.
Related Story: Tyreke Smith is the Seahawks’ next pass rushing menace
My all time favorite play I made was this one 👇👇👇 what was y’all’s?? 🕷 https://t.co/dmCX20G539
— KJ Wright (@KJ_WRIGHT34) May 9, 2022
Do you think the Seattle Seahawks need to bring back K.J. Wright? Let us know in the comments section below.