We are now two weeks past the 2021 NFL Draft. Once again, the Packers did not address the inside linebacker issue until the 6th round when they selected Isaiah McDuffie out of Boston College. McDuffie will be a development prospect at best who can help contribute on special teams. There is promise currently on the roster with Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin. Both are only second year players, and while flashed potential in 2020, left a lot desired on the field. There are still veterans in the free agency market who could help teams fill wholes left by the draft. One veteran the Packers could use would be linebacker K.J. Wright.
K.J. Wright has been in the league since 2011 after he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. He has spent his entire 10-year career with the Seahawks. Wright won the Super Bowl with the Seahawks in 2013 and made the Pro Bowl in 2016. Wright has been a stable on that defense next to all-pro Bobby Wagner since joining the league. Only season he has played less than 10 games was in 2018.
At the age of 32 entering the 2021 season, the market for an aging linebacker won’t be robust. He will be seeking a team that is looking for veteran leadership on the defense that can help him win another ring as well. The Packers fit the mold of both. A team that is constantly looking for veteran leadership in the middle of the defense and someone who can provide some valuable minutes.
The Packers are in win-now mode with the Aaron Rodgers window closing by the minute. Adding Wright would help alleviate the sting of missing on Christian Kirksey last offseason and give Wright another chance at a ring most veterans are looking for before their careers close.
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