Seahawks sign LB Wright to four-year extension

The Seahawks locked up another member of their young nucleus Thursday, signing linebacker K.J. Wright to a four-year contract extension.

Wright, a fourth-round pick in 2011, was playing out the final year of his rookie contract. This deal, worth $27 million according Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, keeps him around through the 2018 season.

“In the offseason, we identified K.J. as one of our core players moving forward and aimed to keep him as a part of the Seahawks family for a long time,” general manager John Schneider said in a press release. “The timing of this signing gives us the ability to keep as many of our core players together as we possibly can. Since Day One, K.J. has been a true professional in his daily approach and we are excited for K.J., his family and the 12s to keep him in the organization.”

In four seasons, Wright has started 54 of 58 games played and recorded 333 tackles (224 solo), 6.5 sacks, one interception, 14 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. In the postseason, he has started three of four games played, with 24 tackles (13 solo) and two passes defensed.

In addition to his size and skill, the Seahawk value Wright for his versatility, which has allowed him to start at all three linebacker positions throughout his career. Wright came to Seattle as a strongside linebacker, but opened his rookie year starting at middle linebacker in place of an injured David Hawthorne. Last season, when the Seahawks moved Bruce Irvin from defensive end to linebacker, Wright moved to the weakside spot, which he says is his favorite position to date.

“K.J. is the epitome of a team guy,” said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. “We are excited to reward a player of his caliber for all the hard work he has put in over the years to become an important piece of our defense.”

This season, Wright has started all 14 games and has tied his career highs in tackles (96, including 66 solo) and sacks (two).