Wright, who played last season under a one-year, $1.43 million restricted free agent tender, seems to be hitting the market at the right time. Wright has experience at both nose tackle and end in the 3-4 defense, which could make him an early target for teams planning to switch to that alignment (e.g. the Broncos).
From Wright’s perspective, the chance to be a starter – and be paid accordingly – is going to be enticing. He currently has Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green ahead of him on the Patriots’ depth chart.