When the Bears kicked off their aggressive free agency push last offseason, the headlines centered on big-ticket additions and filling glaring roster holes. But one of the most impactful moves came quietly in April, well after the initial frenzy had cooled.
On April 8, Chicago signed veteran cornerback Nahshon Wright-fresh off a season in which he played just one game for the division rival Minnesota Vikings. It looked like a depth move at the time.
Now? It's looking like one of the best value signings of the entire NFL offseason.
Fast forward to Week 16, and Wright delivered again-this time in a high-stakes rematch against the Green Bay Packers. With Green Bay threatening to score on a goal-to-go situation, Josh Jacobs took a handoff up the middle. But before he could sniff the end zone, Wright made a game-changing play: he ripped the ball out of Jacobs’ hands, and Chicago recovered.
That turnover didn’t just halt a promising Packers drive-it swung momentum in a rivalry game with major implications. FOX analyst Tom Brady, who’s seen more than a few elite defenders in his day, didn’t hold back in his praise.
“Wow. One of the steals of the offseason, signed on a veteran minimum deal,” Brady said on the broadcast. “What a playmaker-five interceptions, forced fumble, three recoveries… fearless in run support.”
That’s not just lip service. That’s the greatest quarterback of all time pointing out what Bears fans have been seeing all season: Wright is playing at an elite level, and he’s doing it with the kind of physicality and instincts that change games.
Originally a third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, Wright’s career had been more promise than production-until now. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, he’s finally putting it all together.
And he’s not just flashing here and there. He’s stacking quality performances week after week.
Kevin Burkhardt, Brady’s broadcast partner, took it a step further: “Nahshon Wright might be the story of the year in the NFL.”
That’s not hyperbole. Through 16 weeks, Wright has five interceptions, two forced fumbles-including the one on Jacobs-and three recoveries.
He’s been a turnover machine. More importantly, he’s been consistent.
His growth from week to week has been noticeable, and his confidence is clearly sky-high.
But Wright’s breakout season is creating a good problem for the Bears’ front office. With Jaylon Johnson already secured on a long-term deal, and Tyrique Stevenson entering the final year of his rookie contract, Chicago will soon have to make some tough decisions in the secondary.
Stevenson has shown flashes, but Wright has been more consistent, more impactful, and more reliable this season. If he keeps this up, he’s playing his way into a massive payday-whether it comes from Chicago or somewhere else.
For now, though, the Bears are reaping the benefits of a calculated gamble that’s paying off in a big way. Wright isn’t just a depth piece anymore. He’s a cornerstone of a defense that’s starting to find its identity-and he’s doing it with a chip on his shoulder and a nose for the football.