Will Chicago Re-Sign Their Breakout Cornerback?
Following a magical season, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears. This offseason will help define if the team is truly turning into contenders or if it was just a fluke year. Unfortunately, they will be in a tough financial situation as they are currently projected to be four million dollars over the cap. The majority of the offseason will have a focus on improving the defense, which was shaky all season. However, to bring in new talent, they may need to make some tough decisions on who will be returning next year.
This offseason, one of the biggest concerns is the secondary. Chicago is currently set to lose four well-known names. There has already been plenty of conversation about keeping Jaquan Brisker, the youngest of the four, and potentially has the brightest future. Additionally, Kevin Byard, who was one of the Bears' biggest stars this year, has mentioned wanting to return to the team. C.J. Gardner-Johnson has had the fewest rumors so far, but his impact in a short time made him a fan favorite. However, one of the hardest decisions of these four will be Nahshon Wright, whose performance this season makes it difficult to move on from.
The former third-round pick has had a quiet career since joining the league in 2021. In his first three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, he played in a total of 32 games, but only started in three of them. During his time with the Cowboys, he recorded 37 total tackles and one interception. In 2024, he appeared in just one game with the Minnesota Vikings. This past offseason, he signed with Chicago in a move that was seen to add depth. When injuries came up, he was put into the starting lineup, and it is safe to say he exceeded expectations.
He started 16 of the 17 games he appeared in. On the season, he recorded five interceptions, which was tied for the second most during the regular season, only trailing his teammate Byard. Wright also had three fumble recoveries and 80 total tackles. The breakout season ended with him making the Pro Bowl. Despite all of this success, it is not an easy call to keep him in Chicago.
Wright was far from perfect this season. He was always a big-play threat, but his coverage skills were shaky at best. Fans debated every week on whether the turnovers were worth the yards and points allowed. When adding all of the factors together, it is hard to commit a large amount of money to another cornerback when there are areas that need more attention. While Wright is the center of discussion for cornerback contract extensions in Chicago, the Bears are retaining a majority of their other cornerbacks, but it is a different story with their safeties. Losing both Brisker and Byard would be unlikely, as the Bears would need to find two new starters.
The Pro Bowl cornerback was a perfect example of the Bears' season, through exceeding expectations and shocking the world. The way Wright stepped up when needed and provided stability in the secondary was crucial for Chicago. Without his presence on the outside and five interceptions, the Bears may not have had their magical season. However, it is difficult in the NFL to keep the same team from year to year. The situation with Wright and the secondary will be one that fans will have to follow closely. If his time with the team does come to an end, then fans can only hold this season close to their hearts as a reminder of a special breakout year.
