An NFL Insider Just Put an Old Friend Back on the Bears’ Radar

Ryan Poles already addressed the biggest hole in the Bears' defensive front. With the trade deadline approaching, his next move could involve a player who helped Chicago's secondary last season.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport named Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright as someone to watch while discussing the Bears' remaining needs Tuesday. Wright earned a Pro Bowl selection in Chicago before leaving in free agency, but his time in New York has offered little opportunity to follow that performance.

That combination makes a potential reunion intriguing: the Bears could use another option at cornerback, and Wright wants a chance to play defense again.

"The other interesting one is Nahshon Wright," Rapoport mentioned. "He was with the Bears last year, is with the Jets now, is really not playing. Could that be a name to watch as well, just for some depth?"

Rapoport also said he did not believe Poles was finished making moves. His comments put Wright into the conversation without establishing that the teams are negotiating. There is no reported Bears offer or Jets asking price in that account. Still, the circumstances on both sides explain the connection.

Wright has appeared in three games for New York, playing 22 special-teams snaps without receiving a defensive snap. For someone coming off his most productive NFL season, that represents a considerable change.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported that Wright was "definitely frustrated" about his lack of a defensive role. Asked whether he had requested a trade, Wright indicated he had not done so formally but had communicated his dissatisfaction. "I've expressed my feelings," Wright told Cimini .

That establishes his desire for a different opportunity. It does not establish that he has specifically asked to return to Chicago.

The Bears nevertheless know what he can provide in their defense. Wright appeared in all 17 games last season and started 16, recording five interceptions, 11 passes defended, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His production earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. Before arriving in Chicago, he had started only three games across four seasons with Dallas and Minnesota.

Dennis Allen's defense gave Wright an opportunity to show more than he had in his previous stops, accepting his flaws, while taking full advantage of his aggressive ball skills. If the Bears considered bringing him back, they would have firsthand knowledge of his strengths, limitations and preparation habits.

That familiarity could be useful when trying to incorporate a player during the season. Wright would still need to get current with Chicago's plans, but he would be returning to a coaching staff and defensive system he already knows.

Monday's victory in Seattle showed why the Bears might keep examining their options. Chicago's defense held the Seahawks to one conversion on 11 third downs. Jeffery Simmons immediately strengthened the pass rush, and the front helped make Sam Darnold uncomfortable throughout the night.

The secondary still had expensive mistakes. Tyrique Stevenson surrendered Jaxon Smith-Njigba's long touchdown before halftime, while defensive holding penalties wiped out two Montez Sweat sacks. Rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad missed the game with a toe injury.

An improved pass rush should help the coverage. Adding another outside corner could give Allen more choices when injuries or matchups test his depth. Wright's potential role would require consideration. His previous production would not automatically entitle him to a starting job, and the Bears would need to evaluate what he could offer now.

The acquisition cost would be equally important. After surrendering two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection in the Simmons trade, Chicago has reason to scrutinize every additional expenditure. A reunion would have to make sense at the Jets' price. That price, however, should not be significant, as Wright is a reserve that wants out.

For him, the immediate objective appears straightforward: getting back onto the field on defense. For the Bears, the question is whether a familiar player can strengthen a position that remains worth monitoring.

Rapoport has identified the possibility. With the Nov. 10 deadline approaching, Poles has another potential route to consider as he decides how much more this roster needs.