The veteran played for Gus Bradley in Seattle
Seven practices into training camp and the Las Vegas Raiders clearly think they need more reinforcements for their rebuilding defense.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Thursday that the team is visiting with veteran free-agent linebacker K.J. Wright.
Former Seahawks’ veteran LB K.J. Wright is in Las Vegas to meet with the Raiders, per source. It’s a familiar scheme with former Seahawks’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley now being the Raiders’ DC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2021
The Wright talks come a day after the Raiders signed veteran defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The 33 year old is a six-time Pro Bowl performer, but he did not play in the NFL last season. He has a chance to be a rotational player in Las Vegas.
The Raiders’ interest in Wright makes sense for a couple of reasons, beginning with the fact that he was with new Las Vegas defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with the Seattle Seahawks. Bradley was the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator during Wright’s first two seasons in the NFL from 2011 to 2012.
Veteran depth has been a question mark in Las Vegas at linebacker. They signed Darron Lee earlier this summer, but Wright would bring more success with him. Wright, 32, has started 140 NFL games in his 10-season career.
With experience and familiarity in Bradley’s system, Wright would be a great value for the Raiders, who likely wouldn’t have to pay Wright much at this point.
Longtime NFL reporter Josina Anderson talked with Wright during his visit and indicated his plan is to go home and consider his next move if he is offered a contract. However, Anderson reported that there is a chance talks can move quickly.
Free agent LB K.J. Wright tells me he is currently at the #Raiders facility. “I am here now.” @AdamSchefter 1st on visit to Las Vegas.
The current plan is for Wright to go home after his visit & think things over though potential negotiations could spur more imminent action.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 5, 2021
The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Raiders are in no hurry to sign Wright.
FYI in @Raiders: per source K.J. Wright just a visit at this point. Jalen Richard could be a couple-of-weeks situation. (Props to @TheAthleticNFL and @AdamSchefter on first reports)
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 5, 2021
NFL Media reported Wright left Las Vegas without a deal and he is talking to other teams. So, we will see.
KJ Wright, one of the top FAs left, exited without signing. He has interest from a few teams and will remain in touch with Vegas. https://t.co/XUkcotyseM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2021