NFL Teams Warned About Signing Bears CB Nahshon Wright

Bleacher Report analyst says Wright's breakout 2025 season was likely a "one-year outlier"

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to a Bleacher Report analysis, Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright, who is set to become a free agent, may be a "bust waiting to happen" for any NFL team that signs him to a lucrative long-term contract this offseason. The report highlights Wright's high target and touchdown numbers in coverage last season, suggesting his strong statistical performance was an anomaly rather than a sign of sustained improvement.

Why it matters

Wright's free agency status puts the Bears in a difficult position, as they have limited salary cap space and other key players to re-sign or extend. The report's warning could deter other teams from offering Wright a big-money deal, potentially allowing the Bears to retain him at a more team-friendly rate if they prioritize re-signing him over their other roster needs.

The details

Wright, 28, had a breakout 2025 season with the Bears, recording 80 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 11 pass deflections after signing a 1-year, $1.1 million contract. However, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport argues that Wright's strong statistical performance was likely an outlier, noting that he was targeted 98 times and allowed 6 touchdowns in coverage. Davenport believes that handing Wright a projected 3-year, $50 million deal would be "bad roster building" for any NFL team.

  • Wright signed a 1-year, $1.1 million contract with the Bears in 2025.

The players

Nahshon Wright

A 28-year-old cornerback who had a breakout 2025 season with the Chicago Bears after previously struggling to make NFL rosters.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears who will have to decide whether to re-sign Wright or let him test free agency.

Dennis Allen

The defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, who praised Wright's growth and confidence over the 2025 season.

Gary Davenport

A Bleacher Report analyst who warned that signing Wright to a lucrative long-term contract this offseason could be a "bust waiting to happen" for NFL teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Is it possible that Wright is a late bloomer and budding star? Yes, but it's far more likely that his gaudy interception numbers were a one-year outlier. Opposing quarterbacks weren't afraid of him. He was targeted 98 times in 2025 and allowed half a dozen touchdowns in coverage. He deserves a raise, but not a windfall.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Analyst (Bleacher Report)

“You watch him and how he's matured over the course of the season, and you see him continuing to get better each and every week. And as he's gotten better, that confidence has started to build and I think when a player's playing confident, they usually tend to play pretty well and end up making some plays.”

— Dennis Allen, Bears Defensive Coordinator (Heavy.com)

“I definitely would love to be back in Chicago, but who knows. We'll see.”

— Nahshon Wright (Heavy.com)

What’s next

The Bears will have to decide whether to prioritize re-signing Wright or focus on other roster needs, such as re-signing Kevin Byard or Jaquan Brisker, addressing the defensive line, and extending right tackle Darnell Wright.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges NFL teams face in evaluating whether a player's breakout season is a true sign of improvement or an outlier performance. The Bears must weigh Wright's potential against the risk of overpaying for a player who may not be able to sustain his 2025 production.