Bears Sign Cornerback Nahshon Wright to One-Year Deal After Vikings Release

The Chicago Bears made a notable addition to their secondary this week, signing cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The move comes just 24 hours after the Minnesota Vikings waived Wright, and it marks the latest chapter in what has been an intriguing journey for the former third-round draft pick.

Wright, 26, brings intriguing physical tools to the Bears’ defense. At 6-foot-4, he is one of the tallest cornerbacks in the league, offering a unique blend of size, reach, and athleticism that gives him an edge in press coverage and red zone matchups. A product of Oregon State, Wright was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 99th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent the first three seasons of his career in Dallas.

During his time with the Cowboys, Wright appeared in 33 games and made three starts. He tallied 31 total tackles (23 solo), defended five passes, and recorded one interception. His most active season came in 2022, when he logged meaningful snaps on both defense and special teams. While not a consistent starter, Wright proved to be a capable depth piece in a competitive Cowboys secondary.

In August 2024, Wright was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for former second-round cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. The Vikings hoped that a change of scenery could bring out more consistency in Wright's play. However, his time in Minnesota was brief and largely uneventful. He appeared in just one game for the Vikings during the 2024 season and played only 15 snaps—all on special teams.

Wright’s release on Monday signaled the end of that short tenure, but it didn’t take long for the Bears to pounce on the opportunity to add a physically gifted and experienced corner to their roster. For a Bears team that continues to retool its defense under head coach Matt Eberflus, Wright’s signing is a low-risk move with potential upside. His rare length and athleticism could make him a valuable asset in certain defensive packages, and his experience in both zone and man coverage schemes fits Chicago’s versatile approach.

“Anytime you can add a player with that kind of size and athletic profile, especially one with real NFL experience, it’s something worth exploring,” a team source said. “We believe he can compete and push for a role in our secondary.”

Wright will likely have to prove himself during offseason workouts and training camp, but with the Bears aiming to improve their pass defense, his arrival adds competition to a young cornerback room that includes Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson. He’ll also be expected to contribute on special teams—an area where he has shown flashes throughout his career.

Whether Wright can carve out a consistent role on defense remains to be seen, but his signing offers him a fresh opportunity and a new environment in which to showcase his abilities. As the Bears continue to prepare for the 2025 season, Wright will have every chance to earn his spot on the final roster and possibly revitalize a career that once showed plenty of promise.