The Chicago Bears have been turning heads with their impressive offseason moves in 2025. A standout draft class, featuring talents like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden, has been a game-changer.
But it wasn't just the draft that bolstered their roster; the Bears made some savvy free agent acquisitions too. Center Drew Dalman made waves by earning a Pro Bowl nod, and Nahshon Wright emerged as a revelation in the secondary, snagging five interceptions after stepping in for the injured Jaylon Johnson.
Wright's journey is a classic underdog story. Once a third-round pick in Dallas, he struggled to find his footing and bounced around before landing in Chicago, where he seized his opportunity and turned it into a lucrative contract with the New York Jets.
Now, with Wright gone, the Bears face some questions about depth in their secondary. Johnson and Kyler Gordon are both coming off injury-riddled seasons, making it crucial for the team to consider reinforcing this area. Enter Bill Barnwell from ESPN, who suggests that the Bears' coaching staff might have another turnaround up their sleeves for a couple of former high-potential draft picks.
Kyu Blu Kelly and Kaiir Elam are names to watch. Both share traits with Wright, boasting athleticism, size, and length-qualities that appeal to Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris.
Kelly, a fifth-round pick by Baltimore in 2023, showed flashes of potential last season with three interceptions for a struggling Las Vegas Raiders team. Elam, a former first-round pick by Buffalo, has all the athletic tools but hasn't quite put it together, bouncing from Dallas to Tennessee with moments of promise.
Harris, known for his knack in developing cornerbacks, played a key role in Wright's transformation. His past success as a player and coach makes him a pivotal figure in potentially reviving Kelly or Elam's careers. Among the two, Kelly seems to be on the brink of a breakthrough after a promising season.
The Bears' draft strategy will heavily influence this decision. General manager Ryan Poles has consistently prioritized drafting cornerbacks, as seen with the selection of Zah Frazier in the fifth round in 2025. The team might continue adding depth through the draft, but if they shift focus to the front seven and safety positions, pursuing a veteran cornerback could be the way to go.
While finding another interception leader like Wright is a long shot, there's optimism that the Bears can discover another solid contributor. Whether it's Kelly, Elam, or another under-the-radar talent, Harris's coaching expertise will be crucial in identifying the right fit for Chicago's defensive scheme.