The Chicago Bears watched the trade deadline pass on Tuesday without making a major move. But outside of bringing in depth pass rusher and special teamer Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, the Bears’ best avenue to improve the team for the second half will be in the free agent market.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears seem to have found a target. Veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is seeking a new team after being cleared from neck and back injuries last week, and the Bears are interested. Chicago joins the Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers in the pursuit of Samuel Jr.
While other division rivals may have a better selling point, the Bears’ interest is noteworthy. It suggests that Chicago may be interested in making an upgrade at the cornerback position, and in particular, it could spell bad news for Nashon Wright.
Nashon Wright on Thin Ice Amid Bears Interest in Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel hasn’t played a snap this season as he recovered from his injuries, but he’s an established starting cornerback in the league. In four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, he played over 3,000 snaps and made nine interceptions and 30 pass breakups, according to Pro Football Focus. While he’s also allowed 14 touchdowns on 259 targets, he’s someone who can fill the void while Jaylon Johnson recovers from core muscle surgery and provides the defense with an upgrade over Wright.
One of the biggest surprises of training camp, Wright earned a starting cornerback spot amid lingering injuries to Jaylon Johnson. But after returning an interception for a touchdown in the season-opening loss to the Vikings, Wright has struggled, allowing 26 catches for 352 yards, five touchdowns with three interceptions and three pass breakups on 41 targets according to PFF.
With six penalties charged to him (two being declined), Wright is a player that is good enough to be depth but falls below the standards of a starter. Even if the Bears don’t land Samuel, they could be looking for someone else to take Wright’s snaps, as he’s struggled since his opening night performance.
This has Wright on thin ice moving forward. If Samuel signs later this week, Wright will tumble down the depth chart and become a reserve. Even if Wright has a chance to keep Samuel off the field with his play, it will be under the spotlight from here on out, creating a pivotal point in the 27-year-old’s career.