Nahshon Wright Has Earned His Shot at Stability in Chicago
Nahshon Wright’s NFL journey has been anything but straightforward. But after a season where he finally got the opportunity to show what he can do, the 27-year-old cornerback might just be the steady presence the Bears need as they navigate a pivotal offseason.
Originally a third-round pick out of Oregon State, Wright spent his first three years in Dallas, appearing in over 30 games. He was a rotational piece-solid depth, but never quite the focal point.
Then came 2024, a year that underscored just how unforgiving the league can be for players without guaranteed money or long-term security. Wright bounced from the Cowboys to the Vikings, landing briefly on Minnesota’s practice squad before being released in April.
The Bears picked him up on a one-year deal, and that’s when things started to click.
A Breakout Year When It Mattered Most
In 2025, Wright didn’t just fill a role-he stepped into one. He racked up 80 total tackles, with 54 of those coming solo.
He forced two fumbles and recovered three more. For context, those numbers eclipse his entire output from his previous seasons combined.
This wasn’t just a case of being in the right place at the right time. Wright was making plays, finishing tackles, and showing a level of physicality and awareness that hadn’t been fully tapped into before.
The Bears gave him responsibility, and he responded with production.
Why Wright Matters in 2026
Chicago’s defense is heading into a transitional phase. Veterans like Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and Andrew Billings are all set to hit free agency, and the Bears are staring down a salary cap situation that’s nearly $10 million over the limit-even after the NFL raised the cap for 2026.
In that context, retaining a player like Wright makes a lot of sense. He’s already familiar with Dennis Allen’s system, which gives him a leg up in a defense that may look very different next season.
Continuity matters, especially when the roster is in flux. Wright isn’t just a plug-and-play option-he’s someone who’s already proven he can thrive within this scheme.
The Numbers Game
Spotrac projects Wright’s market value around $50 million over three years-just under $17 million annually. That’s not cheap, especially for a team already over the cap.
But this is where smart roster management comes into play. Wright could be open to a team-friendly deal, especially if it comes with the promise of a starting role and long-term stability.
And let’s be honest: the Bears have made bigger bets on less proven players in the past. Wright isn’t a splashy name, but he’s a guy who’s earned his reps the hard way. He’s shown he can deliver when called upon, and at 27, he’s still in his prime.
A Piece Worth Building Around
This offseason, GM Ryan Poles will have some tough decisions to make. But letting a capable, ascending cornerback walk-especially one who’s already proven he can handle the demands of the system-shouldn’t be one of them.
Wright represents exactly what the Bears need right now: stability, familiarity, and upside. He’s not just a body to fill a depth chart. He’s a player who’s shown he can be part of the solution.
If Chicago is serious about building a sustainable, competitive defense, keeping Nahshon Wright in the fold is a move that makes both football and financial sense.