Seahawks keep K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks in free agency

The Seahawks needed to keep at least one of their two free agent linebackers. They ended up signing K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks.

The Seahawks usually wait until day two or three to make any moves in free agency. Seattle tends to not overspend which helps with the long-term financial health of the team while also keeping good players. Both Mychal Kendricks and K.J. Wright were free agents this offseason but both decided to re-sign with Seattle on what amounts to day three of free agency.

Neither Wright or Kendricks are without any concerns, though. Wright injured his knee prior to the 2018 season and missed a large chunk of the year. He was very good when he returned late in the season but with knee injuries they can cause a player to lose a year or two off of a career.

Kendricks also missed some time with injury in 2018. But the main issue surrounding Kendricks is the fact he could face possible jail time for insider trading. Kendricks hearing for any jail time is set for April 4th. Seattle’s contract offer does give the Seahawks an out if Kendricks cannot play this coming season. The positive, however, is that Kendricks was suspended in 2018 for the crime he committed, so if Kendricks serves no jail time he has also already served his NFL suspension.

Getting either Kendricks or Wright was a must for Seattle. Re-signing both of them is a very good thing. If both are healthy and able to play in 2019, Seattle arguably has the best linebacker group in the NFL. Wright, Kendricks and Bobby Wagner give Seattle a talented and versatile group.

Kendricks agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with Seattle. Wright’s deal is for two years and $15 million. Both contracts for good players are inexpensive enough where it gives Seattle some more financial flexibility. Now they just need to go use that money to work on 2020 free agents Russell Wilson, Wagner and Jarran Reed.