The New York Jets had a very busy Day 1 of free agency as Aaron Glenn and Co. try to find some kind of footing after an abysmal first year at the helm.

And the latest free agent signing could play a big role in whether or not the Jets are able to reverse course in 2026.

Jets sign CB Nahshon Wright to a prove-it deal after a Pro Bowl-caliber season

Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets signed the former Chicago Bear to a one-year, $5.5 million deal after a career year that saw him record a career-high five interceptions, and again, get his first Pro Bowl nod. The latter is worth mentioning, even if he was an alternate.

However, there’s another side to his 2025 season that has to be discussed, as A to Z Chicago’s Kole Noble notes below:

“Nahshon Wright had a career breakthrough during his lone season with the Chicago Bears after reuniting with defensive backs coach Al Harris. The Bears signed Wright with the intention to be a depth player at the CB position but injuries and scheme-familiarity allowed Wright to step into a starting role. He turned that opportunity into a Pro Bowl-caliber season after leading his position in interceptions and leading the league in total takeaways.

The downside to Wright’s game is that he’s truly a risk-or-reward cornerback. While he had five interceptions, he also allowed a team-high 60 receptions and eight touchdowns in coverage. He lacks the top-end speed to keep up with receivers in coverage but has the length and size to match up well against big-bodied wide receivers on the outside.” – Kole Noble, A to Z Chicago

The important context with Wright’s interceptions is four of the five are legit plays. It’s not like he just happened to be in the right place at the right time, or anything like that. The only interception that’s not “legitimate” is his pick of Joe Flacco on a Hail Mary at the end of the Bears-Bengals shootout, but even then he gets points for sealing the deal in the 47-42 win.

Wright’s most impressive pick was an incredible one-handed reception while guarding D.K. Metcalf. Sure, Aaron Rodgers made a bad decision, but it was an elite display of athleticism, concentration, and strong hands that make up starting corners in this league.

So what happened with the touchdowns Nashon Wright allowed?

The regular season touchdowns allowed follow the same pattern as Wright’s interceptions: They’re legit plays that were on Wright.

Before we get into the two plays I’d say don’t have to do as much with Wright as they do with his competition, it’s important to note the five of the seven touchdowns he allowed from Weeks 1-18 were against these receivers: Jameson Williams, George Pickens, Tee Higgins, Jordan Addison, and A.J. Brown.

That’s a lineup even top corners would struggle against and I’d say the touchdowns allowed to Higgins and Brown were mostly due to their elite ball-tracking ability. Wright was in position on both plays and just couldn’t finish, which is expected from a player with little experience.

The touchdown he allowed to Romeo Doubs in the playoffs followed the same overall pattern with most of the previous touchdowns – Wright gets lost in coverage at times and in one instance got caught sleeping (the Pickens TD).

Again, though, that should improve with more playing experience, but the key with all this is the Jets recognize that, hence the one-year deal.

The Jets put themselves in position to win no matter what

At worst, Wright doesn’t work out and is a minimal cut for a team that has a ton of cap space. At best, he plays at another Pro Bowl-type level, while erasing most of the touchdowns, if not all.

This is a great signing for the Jets and it’s one that could pave the way toward a bright future if it works out like they think it should.

Grade: A

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