Nahshon Wright’s NFL journey has been anything but linear. After four years of bouncing between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings, mostly buried on depth charts and special teams units, the former Oregon State standout finally found his stride in 2025 with the Chicago Bears. Now, after a breakout campaign, Wright is poised to cash in - and several teams are taking notice.
Wright didn’t just crack the starting lineup in Chicago last season - he became a difference-maker. In 16 starts, he racked up five interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 27 defensive stops.
That’s not just production - that’s a cornerback making his presence felt week in and week out. For a Bears defense that saw steady improvement throughout the year, Wright’s emergence on the boundary was a major part of that equation.
With free agency on the horizon, Wright’s name is starting to heat up in league circles. The Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, and Jacksonville Jaguars are all reportedly eyeing the 27-year-old corner as a potential upgrade in their secondaries - and for good reason. Each of those teams struggled to find consistency on the back end in 2025, and Wright’s size, ball skills, and confidence in press coverage check a lot of boxes.
Let’s break it down.
In Minnesota, a reunion could be on the table. The Vikings know Wright from his brief stint there prior to his time in Chicago, and they’re desperate for help in the secondary after a season where their pass defense often left the door wide open. Pairing Wright with a more stable defensive scheme could give the Vikings a much-needed boost on the perimeter.
The Rams, meanwhile, are in a similar boat. Their secondary was a soft spot in an otherwise promising young defense.
Adding a long, athletic corner like Wright could help solidify a unit that struggled to generate takeaways and keep opposing receivers in check. With Los Angeles looking to stay competitive in the NFC West, a move for Wright would be a logical step toward balancing their defense.
And then there’s Jacksonville. While Jarrian Jones showed flashes in 2025, the Jaguars' cornerback room lacked depth and consistency.
New defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is known for his aggressive, high-energy style - something that could mesh well with Wright’s physical approach. If the Jaguars are serious about taking the next step defensively, Wright could be a cornerstone piece on the outside.
Still, don’t count out Chicago. The Bears were the team that gave Wright his shot, and there’s something to be said for continuity - especially for a player who finally found his footing. Re-signing Wright would not only keep a rising talent in-house, but it would also reinforce a secondary that’s starting to come into its own.
Of course, money will talk. Spotrac projects Wright’s next deal to land around $50 million over three years, with an average annual value of $16.7 million. That’s a significant investment for a player with just one full season of starting experience - but in today’s NFL, where shutdown corners are at a premium, someone’s going to pay it.
The question is: will it be the Bears, who helped Wright break through? Or will another team - perhaps one with a glaring need and a little more cap space - swoop in with an offer too good to pass up?
Either way, Wright’s rise is one of the more compelling storylines of this offseason. From depth piece to potential $50 million man, he’s proof that sometimes, all a player needs is the right fit - and the right opportunity.