Nahshon Wright was a nobody when the Chicago Bears signed him. He'd had a quiet career as a 3rd round pick with the Dallas Cowboys before failing to latch on with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this year. He joined the Bears for $1.1 million at the behest of secondary coach Al Harris, who knew him from Dallas. Everybody expected Wright to compete for one of the last reserve cornerback spots on the roster. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, and Terell Smith already had the top four locked up.
Nobody could've imagined what would follow. Three of those four names would end up on Injured Reserve in the coming week. Chicago's cornerback room was decimated. Wright had been thrust into the starting lineup out of necessity. Rather than look like a boy among men, as many backups usually do, the 27-year-old met the moment. He is now tied for second in the league with five interceptions. In fact, the season he is having is approaching historic territory, according to senior NFL researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno.
Nahshon Wright is rubbing shoulders with greatness.
Think about that list. Charles Woodson? Hall of Famer. Minkah Fizpatrick and Marcus Peters? All-Pros. All were also 1st round picks. What Nahshon Wright is doing shouldn't be possible, at least not so out of the blue like this. Going from backup to playing like one of the best defensive backs of the decade is unheard of. It's a testament to the work done by Harris and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in getting him ready. All of this serves as a reminder that more good players exist in the league than people realize. It is always about finding the right situation and getting an opportunity.
Wright certainly found his. This season has been easily one of the most pleasant surprises in Bears history. It will also secure the cornerback a hefty new contract next spring. Sadly, Chicago is unlikely to be able to give it to him due to salary cap constraints. Still, this year has benefited all parties regardless.
