The Seattle Seahawks have announced that they have agreed a four-year contract extension with linebacker KJ Wright.

The 25-year-old, who was drafted by the team in 2011, has signed a new four-year deal reportedly worth $27m (£17.3m).

General manager John Schneider said in a statement announcing the deal: "In the off-season, we identified KJ as one of our core players moving forward and aimed to keep him as a part of the Seahawks family for a long time.

"The timing of this signing gives us the ability to keep as many of our core players together as we possibly can. Since day one, KJ has been a true professional in his daily approach and we are excited for KJ, his family and the 12s to keep him in the organisation."

Wright has 96 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles so far this season.