With Jaylon Johnson sidelined to start training camp, opportunities have opened up in the Chicago Bears secondary—and Nahshon Wright is making the most of them.
When the Bears signed Wright this offseason, it barely registered on anyone’s radar. After all, the former third-round pick had bounced from Dallas to Minnesota without much production to discuss.
Now entering Year 5 in the league, he may have found new life in first-year defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system.
“The fit feels great,” Wright said, via Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. “(Allen) emphasizes how he wants us to challenge receivers. He wants you in their face. At all times. No matter the situation. He wants you in their face. That breeds competition. Especially in camp, because even when you’re tired, you have to get up there and go press and go challenge. And in the run game, he wants us to be physical and stop the ball. I know I can provide that.”
A Look Back at Wright’s NFL Career So Far
Wright began his NFL career as a third-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 after a standout tenure at Oregon State. During his rookie season, he appeared in 13 games but was used sparingly on defense, seeing most of his action on special teams. He recorded nine total tackles and made his biggest splash with a memorable blocked punt touchdown that showcased his special teams value.
The 6-foot-4 DB’s best season came in 2022. Over seven games (two starts) he finished with 29 total tackles (one for loss), broke up four passes and nabbed his first and only career interception.
In, 2024 he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for Andrew Booth Jr. His time in Minnesota was short-lived. He played in just one game, left with an empty stat sheet and was quickly released.
Despite only being in Minnesota a short time, Wright says going up against one of the NFL’s best receiving corps in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, among others, made him a better player.
“I’m there and I’m going against arguably the league’s best week after week,” Wright said, per Wiederer. “There’s no doubt that helped me. I had to see it as a positive opportunity to work on my craft. And Justin is one of those guys who wants you to really go after him in practice. I loved that. It was fun to have that type of receiver letting you know, ‘Even on scout team, you can do what you want. Get after it. Play with it. Stay aggressive. And work your technique.’ To be honest, all those receivers helped bring me along.”
Nahshon Wright Remains Dark Horse to Make Chicago Bears Roster
GettyNahshon Wright is a long shot to make the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster, but he’s making waves in camp.
Could Wright have found an ideal schematic fit under Allen? We’ll see.
Known for favoring tall, physical corners in aggressive, man-heavy schemes, Allen could tap into Wright’s best traits. Wright has already turned heads in training camp, getting first-team reps due to an injury to starting cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
It’s early, but he has been impressing with his length and physicality in press coverage.
It won’t be easy, though. In addition to Johnson, the Bears have Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon — the three of them are all roster locks — with Terell Smith Josh Blackwell, rookie Zah Frazier and recent free agent addition Tre Flowers all in the mix, as well. If Wright can stand out amongst the latter group, he has a shot at making the final roster. He’ll need to continue making an impression, though.
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