After a breakout campaign that turned him from roster longshot into Pro Bowler, cornerback Nahshon Wright made it clear he hopes his story with the Chicago Bears isn’t finished.
“I would love to be back in Chicago,” Wright said during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. He added that his agent has been in contact with the team, though no specific contract details have been discussed.
For a franchise staring at several major offseason decisions, that’s both encouraging news… and a complicated development.
From afterthought to All-Pro conversation
GettyBears CB Nahshon Wright
A former third round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, Nahshon Wright had started just three games in his first three seasons and was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 in a deal involving corner Andrew Booth.
The change of scenery didn’t help… Wright spent most of that season on Minnesota’s practice squad and played only 15 special teams snaps before being released in April 2025.
One day later, the Chicago Bears scooped him up on a one year, $1.1 million deal. What followed was one of the most unlikely defensive breakouts in the NFL.
Wright started 16 games, played 97% of the Bears’ defensive snaps, and led the league with eight takeaways. He finished the year with:
- 80 total tackles
- 11 passes defensed
- 5 interceptions (including a 74 yard pick six)
- 3 fumble recoveries
- And 2 forced fumbles
For a player who had forced just one takeaway in his first four seasons, the change was wild (and also very important in Chicago’s NFC North title run and divisional round appearance).
The 6’4” corner (one of the tallest at his position) earned his first Pro Bowl nod. And now, he’s about to cash in.
One hit wonder or late bloomer?
GettyBears CB Nahshon Wright
Now not everyone is convinced the breakout guarantees long term value.
In fact, Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport recently labeled Nahshon Wright a potential “bust waiting to happen” in free agency, cautioning teams against committing $15+ million per year based on what could be a one year spike in production.
Wright was targeted 98 times last season and surrendered six touchdowns in coverage (not a good look). That’s the dilemma facing general manager Ryan Poles: Is Wright a late bloomer who finally found the right system and confidence? Or did he simply maximize one career year at the perfect time?
Even if the Bears want him back, finances complicate matters. Chicago sits roughly $5.3 million over the cap according to OverTheCap and already has several pressing priorities:
- Decisions on safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker
- Reinforcements along the D-line
- A looming extension for All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright
The Bears also have depth at corner with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, and Terell Smith expected back from injury. That depth could make Wright a luxury rather than a necessity.
If Chicago does not strike a deal before the legal tampering window (March 9), Wright is expected to draw significant interest from teams seeking a long, starting-caliber outside corner. For now, though, the message from the Pro Bowler is clear… He wants to stay.
Whether the Bears can afford to make that happen (or whether another team bets big on his breakout) will be one of the Chicago Bears most interesting offseason storylines.
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