The Chicago Bears made the biggest splash of the trade season, so watching them be quiet at the November 10 trade deadline wasn't that surprising. It was slightly disappointing, though, considering the circumstances.
Multiple reports hinted at more moves to come in Chicago. Even with the Los Angeles Chargers holding onto Khalil Mack for whatever reason, they were tied to multiple cornerback targets, including Nahshon Wright.
Wright let the New York Jets know he was unhappy and reportedly looked forward to returning to the Windy City. That's why not getting him feels like a disservice, especially given the potential asking price.
The Chicago Bears may have dropped the ball with Nahshon Wright
Wright had a Pro Bowl season last year. He got beat a couple of times in coverage, but he was better than what the Bears have gotten from Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson this season. Also, he was a true ballhawk.
Wright had five interceptions and contributed to five fumbles last season. He played a huge role in Dennis Allen's defense, flipping the field with his close-out speed, anticipation, and great nose for the football.
Even if he hadn't been that good, he was right there for the taking. He's on a one-year deal, so the Jets would've probably had to take whatever the Bears were willing to give them just to avoid letting him walk away for free at the end of the season.
He's an afterthought and hasn't been a factor in Aaron Glenn's defense, so it's not like they had any legitimate reason to hold onto him. Perhaps Glenn still holds grudges against a former NFC North foe and convinced the front office not to do them any favors, though that would be terrible asset management and just speculation.
Whatever the case, this was the type of move that, despite seeming minor on the surface, could've changed the entire course of the season. It was a matter of addition by subtraction, as having Wright on the field meant that either Stevenson or Johnson would have to be on the bench.
The Bears' defense is holding opponents to just 20.4 points per game, the ninth-best figure in pro football, and that number should only improve once Jeffery Simmons gets fully acclimated and Malik Muhammad returns.
That said, a team that went all-in to land an All-Pro defensive player should've also gone the extra mile to try to fix the roster's most glaring weakness, especially if the guy wanted to be there and was familiar with the scheme.
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