Quote:It’s surprising to see long-time Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright still available in free agency but that’s exactly what the situation is. The Cincinnati Bengals could desperately use Wright in their linebacker corps and Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report thinks they’re a ‘logical landing spot’ for Wright’s services.

Gagnon wrote this about Wright:

"He’s about to turn 32, but the 2016 Pro Bowler recorded 132 tackles in 2019 and had 86 more along with two sacks and an interception as a 16-game starter in 2020.

He’s not a future Hall of Famer or anything, but he’s durable and consistent. That’s extremely valuable in this league."

The Bengals’ linebackers haven’t received high praise this offseason and for good reason. The run defense was atrocious last year, allowing the fourth-most rushing yards in the league and while the Bengals are hoping to get Logan Wilson at full strength in what should be a breakout year, Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither have to take that next jump.

Wright would add an experienced linebacker to the group and he had over 80 tackles last year along with two sacks. He’s also durable, appearing in every regular-season game in each of the last two seasons.

The Cincinnati Bengals could use K.J. Wright on their defense.

If the Bengals were to strike a deal with Wright, he’d be an immediate starter on defense for them. His experience, durability, and ability to tackle players is something Cincinnati could use on their defense, especially if they want to make any kind of noise in the AFC North.

Wright is turning 32 in July, which could be why some teams are hesitant in bringing him in. He also hasn’t shied away from making it known that he wants a nice payday and won’t be taking a discount. Age and the amount of money it’ll take to bring him in shouldn’t worry the Bengals, as they have the cap space and have a need for his services.

The Bengals need a few more splash signings before the start of training camp and Wright would be a terrific late-offseason addition to their defense.

(06-30-2021, 01:07 AM)BFritz21 Wrote: StrypeHype reports that BleacherReport reports that the Bengals are a logical landing spot for KJ Wright:


With how horrible our backing core is, I wouldn't be opposed to bringing him in, especially since we have the cap room.  He knows how to win and he's a playmaker.  

Check out his 2020 highlights and just notice how he's always around the ball.

People can say "oh, we need young players so we can build our team," but we don't have too many talented young backers and the young guys could learn from him on a 2-or-3-year deal.  

I hope we sign him.

Thoughts?

(06-30-2021, 11:34 AM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I like him, but is his value at age 32? LB's as a group are a group do not get paid well according to other positions. I would love him if his does not want to be overpaid. I think 5 million guaranteed is a great number for 1 year or 10 million for 2 years with 6 million guaranteed.

I wish they would bring him in and Alexander, see who is healthy and wanting to prove the can still play, offer that guy a good solid deal.

(07-02-2021, 09:49 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Depth, I like Kwon Alexander better right now honestly.

(07-03-2021, 11:20 AM)kalibengal Wrote: The LB group is young and lacks a VET leader thats been there...KJ is my vote. I think he would bring some wood and leadership to a young LB corp that from what I can tell has no true leader yet. That bengals.com article on Logan Wilson confirmed that , yes hes a smart, talented guy but 
not sure hes the alpha dog we need in LB room. We need a Vonn Bell type of addition to LB room.... IMO.  

(07-06-2021, 09:03 PM)ochocincos Wrote: KJ Wright is the better player and more reliable player right now compared to Kwon Alexander.
Wright would be a great player to add on a 1-year or 2-year contract to stopgap while the young LBs continue to develop.