Seattle Seahawks sign Wright to 4-year extension

RENTON, Wash. (AP) - The Seattle Seahawks signed linebacker K.J. Wright to a four-year contract extension on Thursday, keeping one of their key defensive players from reaching free agency.

"The timing of this signing gives us the ability to keep as many of our core players together as we possibly can," Seattle general manager John Schneider said in a statement. "Since day one, K.J. has been a true professional in his daily approach."

Wright has been a versatile component of Seattle's linebacker corps since his arrival as a fourth-round pick in 2011. Wright has started at multiple linebacker positions, but Seattle has found he's at his best as the weakside linebacker.

Wright is leading Seattle with 96 tackles this season, already a career-high, has two sacks and forced three fumbles. He's started all 14 games, including three at middle linebacker when Bobby Wagner was out with a foot injury.

No financial terms were immediately available. Wright made $1.4 million in base salary for the 2014 season, the final year of his rookie contract.

"K.J. is the epitome of a team guy," coach Pete Carroll said. "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."

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