FA Fits: KJ Wright Is An Option at Linebacker for Vikings
KJ Wright is a reasonably attractive linebacker option for the Vikings. Would he be as effective as, say, Patrick Willis in his prime? By no means. Nevertheless, he can still be an effective player, especially in a defense that is in a decent position to bounce back.
KJ Wright and The Vikings’ Linebacker Group
It’s easy to forget that the Vikings’ defense is relatively young. True, the main names are older: Harrison Smith, Eric Kendricks, and Dalvin Tomlinson. Even Danielle Hunter is creeping up in his 20s. However, the team may be moving on from Patrick Peterson, Anthony Barr, Sheldon Richardson, and Michael Pierce (if he is cut). That means there is a fair bit of transition.
Presently, there are older vets who can still play and a lot of unproven, young depth. The team really needs D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II, Cameron Dantzler, Troy Dye, Josh Metellus, Armon Watts, James Lynch, Chazz Surratt, and/or several others to step up. Even one or two strong starters from this crowd would go a long way.
Given all that I’ve just said, I’m among those who thinks the defense could accommodate another vet or two. This is where Wright comes in.
Most fans will remember KJ Wright for playing linebacker for the Seahawks. He and Bobby Wagner were a crucial part of that defense for a long time. Last season, Wright went over to Las Vegas. He finished the year as the 23rd-best linebacker in the PFF system. He enters free agency as their 166th best player. Take a look at what they have to say about his future role:
TWO-DOWN LINEBACKER: A longtime stallwart at linebacker for the Seahawks, K.J. Wright has played stong [sic] and weakside linebacker throughout his career. He signed with the Raiders this past season but didn’t look the same player in coverage and may have declined into a two-down player.
To my mind, Wright would play middle LB alongside Kendricks. Outside linebackers in a 3-4 are commonly expected to get after the QB, which isn’t a role that makes a ton of sense at this stage. Having a vet who can be effective against the run and occasionally step up in pass coverage makes some sense.
Closing Statement
Last year, Wright played for $3.255 million. That’s not that much, folks.
It’s reasonable to assume he will make less in 2022. From what I can gather, the 2021 season wasn’t a banner year for Wright. Keep in mind, though, that he came in as the 67th overall player in the NFL Top 100 following the 2020 year. He is a former 2nd-team All Pro. The speed has likely diminished, but he’s still a capable linebacker. At this stage in his career, it’s all about the right fit. His 68.6 run defense score on PFF ranked as the 17th best among linebackers. Plug him into the right role and he’d be just fine.
There’s no debating that the linebackers need help, so don’t be shocked if the team turns toward a veteran or two on short-term deals.
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