When the Chicago Bears signed Nahshon Wright, it barely registered on the NFL radar. A former third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, Wright had bounced around the league, including a short stint with the Vikings that didn’t stick.
His arrival in Chicago came quietly - a $1.1 million deal, largely driven by secondary coach Al Harris, who had worked with him in Dallas. At the time, Wright was expected to fight for one of the final depth spots in a cornerback room that already featured Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, and Terell Smith.
Fast forward a few months, and Wright isn’t just on the roster - he’s rewriting expectations.
In a twist no one saw coming, three of those four top corners landed on Injured Reserve in the span of a week, leaving the Bears secondary in scramble mode. That’s when Wright got the call.
And instead of looking like a stopgap or a liability, the 27-year-old stepped in and played like a seasoned starter. Actually, scratch that - he’s played like a star.
Wright is now tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions, a stat that doesn’t just pop off the page - it puts him in elite company. According to senior NFL researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno, the season Wright is putting together is brushing up against historic territory.
We're talking about names like Charles Woodson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Marcus Peters - All-Pros, Hall of Famers, and all former first-round picks. Wright?
He was barely on a roster six months ago.
That’s what makes this story so compelling. It’s not just about the numbers - it’s about the journey.
Wright’s rise is a testament to preparation, coaching, and the importance of being ready when opportunity knocks. Credit goes to Al Harris and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for seeing something in Wright and putting him in a position to succeed.
But ultimately, it’s Wright who’s delivered, and in a big way.
This kind of emergence doesn’t happen often. Backup corners don’t usually step into starting roles and play like one of the best defensive backs in the league - not without warning, and certainly not with this kind of impact.
But Wright has flipped that script. He’s gone from fringe roster guy to one of the most productive defensive players in football this season.
For the Bears, Wright’s breakout has been one of the brightest spots in a season that’s seen its share of adversity. And for Wright, it’s likely to lead to a well-earned payday when free agency rolls around in the spring. Whether that next contract comes from Chicago or elsewhere remains to be seen - the Bears may face some tough salary cap decisions - but one thing’s for sure: Nahshon Wright has made his mark.
Sometimes all a player needs is the right fit, the right moment, and a little belief. Wright found all three in Chicago - and the result has been one of the most unexpected and impressive defensive performances of the year.