There’s nothing like a good underdog story, and cornerback Nahshon Wright wrote a pretty impressive one on his own with the Chicago Bears in 2025.
In just a year, Wright went from being a forgotten player to playing in the Pro Bowl, and was arguably the biggest bargain in the NFL this season. Signed on a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Bears, Wright’s resurgence was as unexpected as it was impressive.
Former sports agent Joel Corry of CBS Sports named Wright the “biggest steal” in the NFL in 2025. “The Bears had no idea Nahshon Wright would play such a prominent role on their defense when they quickly signed him to a one-year deal at his $1.1 million league minimum after the Vikings released him in April,” Corry wrote on January 30.
“He spent the 2024 season on Minnesota’s practice squad after the Vikings acquired him that preseason from the Cowboys for cornerback Andrew Booth.”
More on Why Nahshon Wright of the Chicago Bears Was Named Biggest Steal in the NFL for 2025
GettyNahshon Wright of the Chicago Bears has been named the “biggest steal” in the NFL for the 2025 season by CBS Sports.
Initially, Wright arrived in the Windy City as a depth piece. The third-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 had pretty much floundered early on in his career, spending much of his time on special teams. That changed in 2025 under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and defensive backs coach Al Harris.
“Wright seized an opportunity created by multiple injuries at cornerback and put together a breakout season,” Corry added. “He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for November and led the NFL with eight takeaways (five interceptions and three fumble recoveries).”
The veteran DB seized his opportunity from the get-go. In Chicago’s first game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings — another team he had floundered with — Wright returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown. As the season progressed, injuries in the cornerbacks room created more opportunities for him to see the field, and he took full advantage.
By season’s end, Wright had five interceptions, 80 total tackles, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His knack for timely turnovers included a viral strip of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on Philly’s famed “tush push” late in November and a clutch pick in a shootout victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Nahshon Wright Contract Projection: CB Set to Cash in When 2026 Free Agency Hits
After making just over $1 million in 2025, Wright should see his salary increase, big time. It’ll be interesting to see what other teams think his value is.
For all his tangible success, though, Wright’s on-field performance was not free from issues. There were some costly coverage miscues and occasional lapses that highlighted some real areas of risk in his game. Is he just a one-year wonder? We’ll know soon enough. But considering how he played in 2025, his value is undeniable, and he could be worth the gamble.
Now, with free agency looming in 2026, some believe he is poised to cash in. Early market projections courtesy of Spotrac suggest Wright could command over $16 million per year on the open market. Considering the Bears’ other roster needs, it’s likely he takes his talents elsewhere.
But for general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears, Wright’s 2025 campaign will be remembered in the grand tradition of NFL redemption stories, and for the highlight reels he helped make.
Bears $1.1 Million Starter Named ‘Biggest Steal’ in the NFL for 2025