Bears CB Nahshon Wright embraces uncertainty as he heads toward likely windfall in free agency

Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright is in limbo as he heads toward free agency next month, but in a good way. Instead of wondering whether he'll have a job next season, he's sure to draw significant interest and a big payday on the open market.

Few players have flipped their career like him as he went from an unknown to a starter for the Bears and an late addition to the Pro Bowl as a replacement for the Eagles’ Quinyon Mitchell.

Wright, 27, was nearly out of the league when the Vikings released him in April. He made just three starts over his first three seasons with the Cowboys before they traded him to the Vikings, and he spent all of the 2024 season on Minnesota’s practice squad.

Wright called it “the coolest thing” to be among the NFL’s elite players and seeing former teammates like Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

“I’ve always felt I could play with these guys and that I belong,” Wright told the Sun-Times. “It kind of reassuring, like I do belong.  I can be one of those guys in the league.  It’s definitely cool.”

Wright had a career-high five interceptions, second in the league, forced two fumbles and recovered three. He returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown.

He’s facing uncertainty in his career again as he hits free agency, but he’s got much more leverage this time. Spotrac projects his market value at a three-year deal worth $50 million, and the prospect of teams fighting over him sounds a lot better than fighting for a job.

“I don't know what to expect...  but it’s definitely a good situation to be in,” said Wright, who played on a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Bears. When asked about the prospect of a big contract after earning just $4.9 million over his first five seasons, he replied with a smile, "Hopefully more than what I made last year, for sure." That's a safe bet.