Chicago Bears Face Critical Secondary Decisions as Nahshon Wright Nears Free Agency
As the Chicago Bears head into a pivotal offseason, the spotlight is firmly on the defensive side of the ball-and for good reason. With several key members of the secondary set to hit free agency, the front office has some tough choices to make, starting with breakout cornerback Nahshon Wright.
Wright, coming off a standout 2025 campaign, is expected to command top dollar on the open market. Spotrac projects his next deal to land in the neighborhood of $16.7 million per year, potentially totaling $50 million over three seasons. That’s a significant chunk of change, particularly for a team currently projected to be $10 million over the cap.
The Bears have to weigh the value of retaining Wright against the broader needs of their roster. And with safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker also set to become free agents, there’s no escaping the financial squeeze.
Cornerbacks typically command more on the open market than safeties, and Wright’s price tag reflects that. If Chicago decides to let him walk, they’ll need a plan in place to fill the void.
Replacing a Rising Star
Wright was a difference-maker in 2025. His five interceptions ranked second in the league, and he added 11 pass breakups to boot.
He brought a playmaking edge to the secondary that’s hard to replicate. If he departs, the Bears will be in the market for a new CB2 to line up opposite Jaylon Johnson.
Tyrique Stevenson remains on the roster, but last season didn’t inspire much confidence from the coaching staff. That likely won’t change heading into 2026, meaning Chicago will have to look elsewhere for stability at the position.
Free Agency Options
One name that makes a lot of sense: Alontae Taylor. He’s not just a talented corner entering his prime at age 27-he also has a built-in connection to Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Allen was the head coach in New Orleans when the Saints drafted Taylor in the second round back in 2022. During their time together, Taylor racked up 210 total tackles, 41 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and a pair of interceptions.
Taylor brings scheme familiarity and a proven track record, and his projected contract-three years, $33 million-comes in significantly lower than Wright’s. That $17 million difference could go a long way for a team trying to stretch every cap dollar.
If the Bears want to go even more cost-effective, there are other free agents expected to command less than $9 million annually. Eric Stokes, Roger McCreary, and Josh Jobe are all intriguing options who could provide depth or even compete for a starting job, depending on how the offseason shakes out.
Looking to the Draft
Of course, if the Bears want to go younger and cheaper, the 2026 NFL Draft offers some mid-round talent at cornerback. Names like Avieon Terrell, Colton Hood, Brandon Cisse, and Chris Johnson are expected to be available late in the first round or on Day 2. None of them are plug-and-play guarantees, but they offer long-term upside at a fraction of the cost.
The Bottom Line
The Bears are entering the offseason with a clear need in the secondary and a tight cap situation. Keeping Nahshon Wright would mean committing big money to one position while juggling multiple other needs. Letting him walk, however, creates a hole that won’t be easy to fill.
Whether they dip into free agency for a familiar face like Alontae Taylor or take a swing on a high-upside draft pick, the Bears have options. But make no mistake-how they navigate this decision could go a long way in determining whether their defense takes a step forward or backward in 2026.