Nahshon Wright Earns Record $1.4M in NFL Performance-Based Pay

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Former Chicago Bears and current New York Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright earned a record $1,441,397 in performance-based pay for the 2025 NFL season, more than doubling his $1.1 million salary. Wright is one of 25 players who earned over $1 million in performance bonuses, the first time that's happened in the program's history.

Why it matters

The NFL's performance-based pay program is designed to supplement the compensation of players who play a high percentage of snaps but have relatively low salaries. Wright's record payout highlights the success of this initiative in rewarding hard-working players and providing more equitable pay across the league.

The details

Wright signed a one-year deal with the Bears in 2025 and became a key part of their defense, starting 16 regular season and 2 playoff games at cornerback. He led the Bears in takeaways with 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Wright played 97.02% of the Bears' defensive snaps, the third-highest on the team.

• Wright signed a one-year deal with the Bears in April 2025.
• Wright started 16 regular season and 2 playoff games for the Bears in 2025.
• Wright led the Bears in takeaways with 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries in 2025.
• Wright earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025.

What’s next

Wright signed a one-year contract with the Jets last week that is worth up to $5.5 million, as the Jets look to improve their secondary after going the entire 2025 season without an interception.