The Chicago Bears' main priority this offseason will be improving their defense. They have several members of that unit who are slated to hit free agency, including playmaking cornerback Nahshon Wright.
After the breakout season Wright enjoyed in 2025, he's expected to land a hefty free agent deal. Spotrac projects him to earn an average annual salary of $16.7 million on his next contract, making a three-year, $50 million deal a potential range for Wright once free agency opens up.
That's a hefty price, especially since the Bears also have Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker hitting free agency. They have some big decisions to make in their secondary, but keeping Wright would be the most expensive option, as the corner market is routinely higher than it is for safeties. Chicago will have to be wise with their decisions, entering the offseason with -$10 million in cap space per Spotrac.
And with the oddsthat Wright won't be around for the 2026 campaign, Chicago must find another way to replace him.
Bears Will Have to Find a Nahshon Wright Replacement This Offseason
Wright gave the Bears a ball hawk in the secondary, with him ranking second in the NFL in interceptions (5) this past season, while also swatting away 11 passes. If he does, in fact, leave, the Bears will be on the search for a replacement CB2.
They still have Tyrique Stevenson on the roster, but 2025 showed he didn't earn the coaching staff's trust. That likely won't change this offseason, pushing the Bears to look at different areas to make a change.
Free agency can provide the Bears with some options, and Alontae Taylor is an intriguing one. There is a connection with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who was the Saints' head coach when the franchise selected Taylor in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. During their time together in New Orleans, Taylor contributed 210 total tackles, 41 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Taylor is 27 years old and is entering the prime of his career. The Tennessee product would provide the Bears with an immediate replacement who is familiar with the scheme that's in place. Spotrac also predicts Taylor to get a three-year, $33 million deal, which is $17 million less than what Wright is projected to land.
Eric Stokes, Roger McCreary, and Josh Jobe are other options set to hit free agency, who are expected to get $9 million or less in their next contract's AAV. If they seek to push the can down the road, Avieon Terrell, Colton Hood, Brandon Cisse, and Chris Johnson are some CB draft prospects who are expected to go later in the first round or on Day 2.
The Bears will have multiple options to consider if they move on from Wright and find a way to get the same, if not better, production.