Seahawks linebacker KJ Wright could be on the trade block

The Seahawks linebacker room is busting at the seams with talent. It makes too much sense that KJ Wright could be on the trade block.

The Seahawks defense has been buzzing for the last two weeks. They have been making plays left and right in practice. The energy, speed and intellect that that unit possesses gives it the chance to be special this year.

However, I have a gut wrenching feeling that the Seahawks are interested in trading KJ Wright. Wright is just 31 years old and coming off a great year. He notched career highs in tackles (132), passes defended (11) and interceptions (3). It would be hard to see him go.

However, the Seahawks just spent a first round draft selection on linebacker Jordyn Brooks. It has been specifically mentioned that Brooks best chance to get playing time is in KJ Wrights spot at weakside linebacker. So far, Brooks looks like an athletic marvel. He is dominating the run game, playing coverage and doing all with explosiveness.

Here is what Pete Carroll said about Jordyn Brooks and KJ Wright:

"“He’s showing that he’s comfortable in the position (WLB), and with the parameters of the position. He’s in a good spot. And KJ’s done well too. So, they are just battling. Obviously KJ is a long way ahead in terms of knowledge, information, recognition and ability to communicate and help others. So its a race for Jordyn to keep battling. (Jordyn Brooks) looks really capable, so well just see what happens. We will just wait it out.”"

The way I see it, the Seahawks are more than comfortable with their linebacker group with either player. KJ has a higher floor. However, Brooks has a much higher ceiling. They want to get Brooks out there. He has shown to be capable. However, its hard to justify with Wright still playing well.

Trading KJ Wright would free $6.5 million in cap space. That is a significant chunk of change. This amount along with what the team already has in cap space should be enough to make a big move or two.

Jadeveon Clowney has been stingy with his asking price. His current asking price has been reported right around $14-$15 million for one year. However, its futile to argue that the defensive line wouldn’t be significantly better with Clowney on it.

Rasheem Green, the presumed starter, has failed to separate himself thus far this off-season. There isn’t much other in terms of competition for the 5-tech defensive end spot outside of LJ Collier either. If the Seahawks traded Wright and signed Clowney the defensive line would be significantly stronger.

The new defensive starting 11:

DL: Clowney, Reed, Ford, Mayowa

LB: Irvin, Wagner, Brooks

DB: Griffin, Dunbar, Adams, Diggs

With key reserves Tre Flowers, Marquise Blair and Cody Barton ready to step in at any time. This defensive unit could be dominate on all levels. I for one think this is the move that would set the Seahawks roster over the threshold.

If the Seahawks truly believe this is their year, they need to make sure to assemble the best roster possible. Clowney would definitely provide the team their best chance to reach for the stars in 2020.

Another thought, they could be trying to package KJ Wright and a pick or two for Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue’s contract would be a little more difficult to handle. However, he could be re-signed long term after the season making this a long term venture. He would be another young asset (25) to help rebuild a defense for the future.

Ngakoue’s one year contract is worth $17.8 million (cant be extended until after the season). For the Seahawks to be able to afford this, they would need to trade KJ Wright AND make another move. Whether that move be releasing a slew of players like Jacob Hollister, David Moore and Carlos Hyde. Or it could be restructuring a contract like Russell Wilson’s.

One note on restructuring: I am very hesitant to restructure contracts right now. With the salary cap in flux, the last thing the team needs is to have Russell Wilson’s cap hits ballooning while the salary cap takes a dive. This could cripple the teams financial future down the road.

Regardless what the play is. I have a very strong feeling that KJ Wright is sneakily on the trade block. This is something that will need to be monitored very closely going forward.

If offenses are fun to watch, and defenses win championships. This team post trade would be a team vying for the Super Bowl. Arguably one of the best teams (and best defenses) in the NFL on paper.