Jets Adding $5.5 Million Ballhawking Pro Bowler to Secondary

Former Bears CB Nahshon Wright signs one-year deal with New York

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The New York Jets have signed former Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. Wright, a 27-year-old Pro Bowler, is expected to help address the Jets' lack of turnovers after the team failed to record a single interception during the 2025 season.

Why it matters

The Jets' defense struggled mightily in 2025, becoming the first team in NFL history to complete a 17-game season without an interception. Adding a ballhawking cornerback like Wright could help turn around their fortunes and improve their chances of competing in the tough AFC East division.

The details

Wright had a breakout season for the Bears in 2025, recording 5 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries on his way to his first Pro Bowl. The former third-round pick by the Cowboys had struggled to find consistency early in his career, but the Jets are hoping his 2025 performance was a sign of things to come. Wright will likely start opposite Brandon Stephens and compete with second-year corner Azareye'h Thomas for a key role in the Jets' secondary.

  • Wright agreed to terms with the Jets on March 10, 2026.

The players

Nahshon Wright

A 27-year-old cornerback who was a Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears in 2025 after recording 5 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries.

Aaron Glenn

The defensive coordinator for the New York Jets.

Brandon Stephens

A cornerback for the New York Jets who is expected to start opposite Nahshon Wright.

Azareye'h Thomas

A second-year cornerback for the New York Jets who will compete with Nahshon Wright for a starting role in the secondary.

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What’s next

The Jets will look to integrate Nahshon Wright into their secondary during the offseason program and training camp as they aim to improve their defensive performance in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

By signing Nahshon Wright, the Jets are making a calculated risk on a player who had a breakout season in 2025 but struggled to find consistency earlier in his career. If Wright can replicate his Pro Bowl performance, he could be a key piece in helping the Jets' defense return to respectability after a historically bad 2025 campaign.