The Chicago Bears are about to embark on a challenging new frontier. That is finding a way to stay competitive beyond just one season. To do that, they must continue to draft and develop their players well. They likely won’t have much salary cap to throw around with several young players like Darnell Wright and Caleb Williams almost certain to command massive contract extensions. The only viable way around this is through the draft. One way to game the system is through compensatory draft picks. Unfortunately, the Bears haven’t been able to secure many of them in recent years. That could be about to change thanks to their outgoing free agent class, especially Nahshon Wright.
The cornerback signed with the Bears for $1.1 million this past offseason, was pushed into the starting lineup by injuries, and proceeded to force eight turnovers, including five interceptions. It was one of the best stories of the season, and proved enough to get Wright to his first Pro Bowl. Make no mistake. That distinction, however controversial, will play a huge part in any negotiations his agent has with teams in free agency this March. If guys like Tyson Campbell, Paulson Adebo, and L’Jarius Sneed can land $19 million a year, it isn’t crazy to think Wright can too.
In such a case, the Bears are likely looking at a compensatory pick in 2027.
Nahshon Wright is a perfect example of why you give guys opportunities.
Just because they may not have worked out with previous teams doesn’t mean they lack talent. Sometimes it is all about where they land and who is coaching them. Getting Wright under the guidance of Al Harris and Dennis Allen proved crucial to finally unlocking the ability he always had. Now he should get a lucrative payday from teams in serious need of cornerback help. Most likely, the Bears could be looking at a 4th or 5th round pick. From there, all they need is some of their other departing names to command some nice deals.
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The ones to probably watch will be Jaquan Brisker, Braxton Jones, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Brisker and Gardner-Johnson both played well in the second half of the season. Teams love having reliable safeties. Jones has loads of experience at left tackle, which should help his case in a thin market. Along with Nahshon Wright, this gives the Bears a real chance at multiple compensatory picks next year. Much will depend on how much money they decide to spend in free agency, if any.
