Nahshon Wright arrived in Chicago as a seemingly low-risk depth signing, but the former Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings cornerback is quickly becoming one of the Bears most intriguing potential breakouts.
With Jaylon Johnson sidelined at the start of training camp, Wright has taken full advantage of his first-team reps, flashing the size, length and physicality that once made him a Day 2 pick.
With defensive coordinator Dennis Allen confirming incumbent starter Tyrique Stevenson will have to compete for the CB2 job, the question now isn’t really whether Wright can make the 53-man roster—it’s whether he might actually steal the starting job from Stevenson by Week 1.
Marquee Sports Network’s Scott Bair thinks it’s certainly possible based on what he’s seen in camp thus far.
Nahshon Wright Has Legit Chance to Challenge Tyrique Stevenson for Bears Starting CB2 Role
GettyNahshon Wright is in a competition for the CB2 job with Tyrique Stevenson.
“Wright has been with the first unit since mandatory minicamp in Jaylon Johnson’s place and should stay there with the team’s top cornerback out for an extended stretch,” Bair wrote on August 1.
“He’s a massive cornerback at 6-foot-4, with the length and speed required to play press-man coverage well. He worked with secondary coach Al Harris in Dallas; that familiarity should help. At this point, it’s hard to imagine Wright not making the team, especially if he maintains this level of play, with a chance to steal the No. 2 cornerback spot.”
Wright entered the NFL as a third-round pick (99th overall) by the Cowboys in the 2021 draft after playing college ball at Oregon State. As a rookie, he played in 13 games with one start, logging seven tackles and playing predominantly on special teams. His most memorable play from his rookie campaign came on special teams, as he had a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
In 2022, Wright had more opportunities on defense, starting two games late in the season. He finished with 23 tackles, an interception and four pass breakups in seven games.
In 2023, he missed the early part of the season due to injury, eventually appearing in 12 games primarily as a backup and special teams contributor. He totaled just five tackles and one pass defended before being traded to Minnesota in 2024.
Wright’s 2024 campaign was brief. He spent most of the year on the practice squad, and saw action in only one regular season game.
Bears CB2 Job Is Wide Open Heading Into 2025
Allen has stated that the CB2 job is “completely up for grabs,” and Wright’s experience with Bears first-year DBs coach Al Harris can only help him. The duo worked together in Dallas, as Bair noted, and sometimes, a little history can go a long way.
For Stevenson, it’s fair to say this could be seen as a wake-up call. After his infamous Hail Mary breakdown last year, coupled with a few other immature acts — like getting fined for tripping Lions WR Jameson Williams — the third-year corner is going to have to prove he deserves to keep on starting.
Stevenson has started 30 games over his two seasons, and as a former second-round pick, the expectation is he’ll win the starting job.
Wright has a much different profile than Stevenson, and if he can stay healthy and show he’s got better technique, he’s got a shot. And, even if he doesn’t beat Stevenson out for the starting role, it’s still a win for the Bears, as he should be excellent depth for a DBs room already brimming with young talent.
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