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This Starter Won't Be Back With the Seattle Seahawks in 2021

By Tyler Kemp

KJ Wright (L) and Bobby Wagner (R) are the last two defensive players on the current Seahawks from the Super Bowl XLVIII roster
KJ Wright (L) and Bobby Wagner (R) are the last two defensive players on the current Seahawks from the Super Bowl XLVIII roster / Rob Leiter/Getty Images

For the better part of the last decade, the Seattle Seahawks used to pride themselves on the strength of their defense in order to become a championship contender. With the rise of Russell Wilson as an elite quarterback, general manager John Schneider has moved past the Legion of Boom era that dominated the NFC for a stretch of time.

Only two players from the Super Bowl XLVIII and XLIX appearances on the defensive side of the ball are still with Seattle. As the Seahawks transition into their youth movement, it looks like there could be one fewer member from the championship-caliber defense by the start of 2021.

KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner have combined to make one of the best linebacker duos in the entire NFL. Wagner’s contract expires in 2023, so he's expected to be around for the next couple of years. With Wright’s contract expiring after the 2020 season, combined with the fact he's about to be on the wrong side of 30, there's a good chance that Seattle moves on from the once Pro Bowl linebacker after this year.

In addition, Seattle has built up its depth at the linebacker spot. With Shaquem Griffin and Cody Barton entering year two and the decision to select linebacker Jordyn Brooks with its first round pick this past draft, the writing is on the wall for Wright.