As the NFL‘s free agency period nears, the Chicago Bears face the risk of losing key players, including cornerback Nahshon Wright, who emerged sharply last season. Wright’s anticipated market value may push him out of Chicago, prompting the Bears to explore alternatives such as Trevon Diggs for the 2026 season.
Projections from Spotrac estimate Wright could command an average annual salary of $16.7 million, potentially signing a deal worth $50 million over three years. Although he allowed over 800 yards in coverage, Wright’s ability to create turnovers was impressive. His five interceptions tied him for second in the NFL, and he recorded 11 pass deflections. Given the Bears are already exceeding the salary cap by roughly $10.6 million, the likelihood of offering Wright a lucrative extension appears slim.
Assessing Trevon Diggs as a Replacement Option for Wright
Trevon Diggs is gaining consideration as a viable replacement, especially if Wright departs. After spending six seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Diggs was waived and subsequently claimed by the Green Bay Packers in December, appearing in only two games. Despite a limited sample outside Dallas, the Bears might see potential in adding him to the secondary.
Over 67 career games, Diggs has accumulated 242 tackles, 63 pass breakups, and 20 interceptions. Although his recent performances have been hindered by knee injuries and inconsistent coverage abilities, entering the offseason healthy offers optimism. Moving to Chicago would reunite Diggs with defensive backs coach Al Harris, who oversaw his development during his successful early years in Dallas. Harris guided the Cowboys’ defensive backs from 2020 to 2024—a period when Diggs produced 20 interceptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns, earning two Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2021.
Financial Considerations and Team Depth Concerns
Unlike Wright’s expected costly contract, Diggs’s market value is more affordable, with Spotrac suggesting about $7.5 million annually. This figure would be significantly easier for the Bears to accommodate given salary cap constraints. Chicago already has Jaylon Johnson secured at a boundary corner spot and Kyler Gordon in the slot; however, injuries sidelined both players extensively in 2025, underscoring the need for additional depth.
Tyrique Stevenson remains on the roster but has yet to establish himself firmly. Adding Diggs would address the secondary’s depth concerns and inject experienced talent, though it carries inherent risks, especially considering Diggs’s uneven recent performances.
Implications for the Bears’ Defensive Future
The move to pursue Trevon Diggs could bring a divisional rival’s player into Chicago’s lineup while replacing the production lost if Wright signs elsewhere. Although there are uncertainties, the Bears could rejuvenate Diggs’s career with a fresh defensive scheme and coaching approach, potentially strengthening their pass defense significantly.
Building on the coaching connection with Al Harris and leveraging the facility to revive Diggs’s earlier form could enhance the Bears’ secondary outlook heading into the 2026 season. Taking a calculated chance on Diggs may prove vital for Chicago as they navigate a challenging offseason and strive to improve their defensive resilience.
