Las Vegas Raiders linebacker K.J. Wright is motivated to get going this year after an offseason where his fate was up in the air.
A rash of injuries changed the Raiders’ circumstances after appearing to be set at linebacker earlier this offseason. Unlike previous years where it seemed like the Silver and Black stood pat, 2021 has proven to be different. Not long after trading for Denzel Perryman, Raiders brass finally gave a call to Wright, solidifying a linebacker group that’s suddenly now stacked. However, the process wasn’t easy for Wright. The 67th best player in 2020, while happy to be on board, recently admitted he’s angry after waiting on a process that took months.
Wright’s motivated to prove his doubters wrong…
Speaking with the Associated Press recently, Wright shared some insight into his offseason. Stating that while he’s been at peace, he’s been angry at the same time. Can you blame him? One of the best NFL defenders was passed on during free agency by the entire league. With the Seattle Seahawks ready to move on, Wright was left without a home this year.
“(I) had a lot of people doubt me this offseason, I’m still keeping it going. I’m thankful to be here, but that burning desire you’re talking about, it’s on 100 right now.”
The Raiders’ injuries and Gus Bradley’s familiarity with Wright created a perfect situation. The Raiders now find themselves with arguably the best linebacker they’ve had in years. With so much of the Silver and Black’s success hinging on their defense, all eyes will be on this prized acquisition. Looking to prove that the rest of the NFL made a mistake in overlooking him, Wight’s excited about what he sees.
“This team is hungry. There’s really good energy here, everybody wants to be successful that’s in this building. I love it, it’s really good vibes. We gotta make sure we start fast on Monday. Start fast, come out ready to work.”
Wright’s a proven winner and champion, something that Jon Gruden’s Raiders know very little of. Fortunately, Wright will be joining his former defensive coordinator and a unit that’s been revamped after years of neglect. Will Wright’s be addition be enough to get this defense to a respectable level? We’ll have to wait till next Monday but things are trending upward right now.
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