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For the first time in his NFL career, K.J. Wright is joining a new team.
On Thursday, veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson shared that Wright is signing a 1-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2021 season. The former Mississippi State linebacker spent the first 10 years of his professional career with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wright remained a free agent all summer after his contract with the Seahawks expired at the end of last season. And while it took a while for him to land a new deal, he agreed with the Raiders 11 days before they open the year with a Monday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Although Wright may be unfamiliar with the Raiders, he’ll be reuniting with Gus Bradley, Las Vegas’ defensive coordinator who served in that role in Seattle from 2009-12.
Wright, who played at Mississippi State from 2007-10, was a fourth-round draft pick of the Seahawks in 2011. He won the Super Bowl with Seattle at the end of the 2013 season, and he earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2016.
Last season, Wright had 86 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception in 16 games, so the 32-year-old is still capable of playing at a high level. He’s also a consistent presence, considering he’s played 144 games in 10 seasons.
Wright should provide an immediate boost to the Raiders’ defense once he gets up to speed.
Las Vegas opens the season against Baltimore on Sept. 13 at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
