It takes much more than interceptions to be a good defensive back. The Chicago Bears may have learned that the hard way with Nahshon Wright, and it was on full display again in the miracle comeback win over the Green Bay Packers.
Wright, who was tied second for the most interceptions in the league in the regular season (5), was a liability on Saturday. As such, GM Ryan Poles might not be in a hurry to make him an offer when he hits free agency after the season.
Nahshon Wright May Have Sealed His Exit in the Win Over the Packers
As pointed out by Bears Film Room analyst 'Flicky' on X, backup QB Tyrique Stevenson had the second-highest Pro Football Focus grade in the win over the Packers (77.2). Wright, on the other hand, didn't even make the top five.
Instead, Jordan Love kept attacking him over and over. He gave up four completions on five targets for 40 yards and one score, and Love had a 139.6 passer rating when targeting him. If the divisional rivals are already onto him, that doesn't bode well for his future with the league.
On paper, Wright has been the ultimate bargain for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He's on a one-year, $1.1 million deal, and he finished the regular season with five picks for 118 yards, one touchdown, 80 tackles (54 solo), 11 passes defensed, three tackles for loss, one QB hit, and two forced fumbles. The Bears, and any other team, would take that type of production on that type of deal any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
But what happens when he commands a bigger deal? His advanced stats aren't as enticing as his raw numbers. All in all, he gave up 60 completions on 98 targets, which is good for a 61.2 percent catch rate. He averages 60.2 percent per his career, so this wasn't an outlier. On top of that, he gave up 813 yards and six touchdowns, all while posting a PFF grade of 65.1.
While he wasn't unplayable, the Bears need to be wary of overpaying for his services, especially if Stevenson can step up in his absence. And with Jaylon Johnson getting a full offseason to recover his body and Kyler Gordon starting opposite him, there aren't many reasons to spend big bucks on a cornerback who depends on splash plays and turnovers to make an impact.