When the Chicago Bears began their big free agency period, this past offseason, they made plenty of headlines at positions of need, which have paid dividends in a big way. General manager Ryan Poles had a busy couple of weeks in March.
And then, came April. On April 8, 2025 the Bears signed veteran cornerback Nahshon Wright who came off a season in which he appeared in one game for the division rival Minnesota Vikings.
In the Bears' Week 16 rematch with the Green Bay Packers, Wright came up big again. As he's done time and time again, this year, Wright made a huge play that turned the ball over. On a goal-to-go situation for the Packers, running back Josh Jacobs took a handoff and Wright ripped the ball out of his hands.
Chicago recovered and thus prevented the Packers from scoring a touchdown, which seemed very likely with the way that drive was going. After the play, FOX broadcaster Tom Brady said exactly what Bears fans have come to know about their stud defensive back:
"Wow. One of the steals of the offseason, signed on a veteran minimum deal. What a playmaker 5 interceptions, forced fumble, three recoveries ... fearless in run support."
The NFL's greatest quarterback of all time with some high praise on the former third-round pick.
Nahshon Wright is playing his way into a massive contract next offseason
Originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, it has taken Wright to blossom. But, under the leadership and direction of Dennis Allen, the Oregon State product is having a full-on breakout season.
Brady's counterpart, Kevin Burkhardt, had even higher praise for Wright.
"Nahshon Wright might be the story of the year in the NFL," Burkhardt noted.
On the year, Wright has picked off five passes, forced two fumbles including the one on Jacobs, and he's recovered three.
Wright's season is proving to line the Bears up for a very difficult decision next offseason.
Jaylon Johnson is locked down on a long-term deal. But, Tyrique Stevenson will be entering the final season of his rookie contract. After what we've seen out of Wright, it's going to be hard for the Bears to commit to Stevenson.
Wright has simply had a better and more consistent season. He's gotten better and better, too. That's what you love to see, most, too. Wright has gotten better week-in and week-out.
Think of how good he might be with another year under his belt, playing for Dennis Allen.
Read more: It took one drive for Ben Johnson to burn the Bears in rematch vs. Packers
It'll be tough not to bring him back, but it'll be expensive.