Nahshon Wright's case with the Chicago Bears is a strange one. On the one hand, the veteran cornerback's raw numbers look impressive, and given his team-friendly contract, he might've been one of the biggest bargains in the league this season.
That said, Wright was also a liability in big moments, and fellow CB Tyrique Stevenson, his backup, closed out the season on a high note, proving that he can handle big-time assignments. That, plus the Bears' complicated salary cap situation, makes Wright's return to the Windy City next season difficult now that free agency is just over a month away.
Nahshon Wright Is Entering His Final Days with the Bears
Even with the NFL raising the salary cap, the Bears are projected to be nearly $10 million over the cap, per Spotrac. Of course, restructuring a couple of deals would help lower that number, but they also have other priorities to address in free agency.
Safety Kevin Byard III, who led the league in interceptions, will also be a free agent, and general manager Ryan Poles admitted that he'll be one of his top priorities. Jaquan Brisker and Andrew Billings will all test the free agency waters.
Wright finished the season tied for the second-most interceptions in the league (5) and is carry a projected market value of $16.7 million annually on Spotrac. Given the Bears' imperious need to retain Byard and improve their front seven, that means there may not be enough money to keep Wright around.
Although his takeaway total was impressive, Wright's performance still had plenty of holes. He allowed a career-worst eight touchdown passes and 13.3 yards per reception, according to Pro Football Focus. He also allowed 20 catches on 26 targets (76.9%) for 272 yards in the last five games between the regular season and playoffs, which aren't the type of numbers you want for someone hoping to be paid like a CB1.
Wright's overall production (80 tackles, 11 passes defensed, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one QB hit) will probably grant him a big contract somewhere else. Still, just like some of the defensive backs who have flourished under Al Harris, he depended too much on big plays and turnovers and wasn't that consistent in coverage.
The Bears just proved to be way ahead of schedule this season. They may only need to make a couple of tweaks to their roster to get to the next level, and that means spending the money wisely. Wright might get the contract he's seeking elsewhere; it's just that he shouldn't be anywhere near the top of the Bears' priority list right now.