The Chicago Bears will need to address their roster, and specifically, their secondary at multiple positions this offseason, including on the perimeter at cornerback. However, the Bears also have an inside track to a Pro Bowler who would like to suit up for them next season.
With issues along the offensive and defensive lines, plus questions at linebacker and a glut of options at wide receiver, cornerback looms as an area facing significant turnover.
That is, unless the Bears decide to take advantage of their existing inroads.
Bears Have Meeting Planned With Pro Bowler at Critical Roster Spot
Bears’ Nahshon Wright Gets Honest Before Free Agency
Nahshon Wright is on track to hit free agency, and the timing is great for the Bears’ breakout star. He is coming off a Pro Bowl season during which he recorded a career-high 5 interceptions.
He is also a unique player at 6-foot-4 and is in his prime years, turning 28 in September.
Wright’s future with the Bears is uncertain. He would like to return. Moreover, Wright believes there is interest from the Bears. He recently revealed an upcoming meeting with the team.
“There’s been some conversation. I know they contacted my agent,” Wright said on SiriusXM NFL Radio on February 20. “We have a meeting scheduled that I don’t know–no type of contract details have been discussed or anything–but I think there is some interest. I just, I guess I’ll know next week.”
Before that, Wright said his focus will be a “little bit of both” in terms of fit and financial security.
“Obviously, you want to be taken care of financially. But this is the part where you still want to be able to compete at a high level. And I think for me, honestly, I do like to playing more of an aggressive style of football. Now, I haven’t done any deep dive into what teams are trying to play similar to what we did in Chicago. But, obviously, I had a great season in Chicago because of the way we played,” Wright said in a nod to Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
“I would love to be back in Chicago. But I don’t necessarily know exactly what’s going to happen.”
Wright noted the different nature of his free agency this offseason as opposed to last, when the Bears were able to sign him during a “restricted” FA from the Minnesota Vikings. At that point, he had played in 32 games and recorded 1 interception through four NFL seasons.
Bears’ Roster Could Feel Cap Crunch
The Bears signed Wright to a one-year, $1.1 million contract. Spotrac projects his market value at up to $16.7 million annually, offering a three-year, $50 million contract as an example of what he could receive in free agency.
That could prove tricky for the Bears to meet. They enter the offseason facing some financial decisions, and they have already paid two corners, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. However, Johnson is a potential cut candidate, which could work in Wright’s favor.
The Bears could also lose both starting safeties, leaving plenty of uncertainty for the Bears as much as Wright.