Major Wright is Lovie Smith’s Problem Now

Feb 20, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith speaks during a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

“He’s your problem now Lovie!”  That was my thought when I heard the news last week that free agent safety Major Wright was finally scooped up off the street by Lovie Smith’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Wright was tweeting last week that he was going down for a visit, but the Bucs couldn’t let him get away without signing him to a one-year deal.

It ends an inauspicious run with the Bears for Wright, who was selected in the third round of the 2010 draft.  Wright started 42 games in four seasons with the Bears.  Wright had nine interceptions and three fumble recoveries with the Bears while scoring three touchdowns while recording 189 tackles.

2013 was certainly rock bottom for Wright with the Bears.  He was ranked the worst safety in the league according to Pro Football Focus, ranking 86th among 86 safeties with a -27.4 grade.  He’ll look to rebound in a reunion with his former coach Lovie Smith.  It was expected Lovie would poach a bunch of ex-Bears, so far he’s only made away with Josh McCown and Wright.  Charles Tillman and Henry Melton were probably the most notable Bears that people expected to end up in Tampa.

Wright will have his hands full trying to start for the Bucs, who will be returning Dashon Goldson and Mark Barron in 2014.  Wright will be clawing for a spot on special teams and hope to serve as a backup and earn a spot beyond his one-year deal.