Bengals Named Best Fit for Wright Trade

Daniel Popper of The Athletic identifies Cincinnati as a potential trade partner for Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright, who has not played a defensive snap this season.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football

The Athletic's Daniel Popper listed the Cincinnati Bengals as the best fit for a potential trade of New York Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright. Wright, signed to a one-year free-agent deal, has not played a defensive snap for the Jets this season.

Why it matters

Wright was named a Pro Bowler last season and recorded five interceptions with the Chicago Bears in 2025, yet has been sidelined in New York. The Bengals are seeking help at linebacker and cornerback, making a trade a possible path for both sides.

Wright recorded five interceptions with the Bears in 2025 and stands 6-foot-4, but has not played a defensive snap for the Jets this season. A trade would likely require a Day 3 pick swap, with the Bengals reportedly offering a sixth-round pick for a seventh-rounder.

The players

Daniel Popper

Daniel Popper is a football reporter for The Athletic who covers the NFL and provided the trade projection.

Nahshon Wright

Nahshon Wright is a 6-foot-4 cornerback who earned Pro Bowl honors and has played for the Chicago Bears and New York Jets.

Aaron Glenn

Aaron Glenn is the head coach of the New York Jets who has not played Wright on defense this season.

The details

Popper's analysis points to the Bengals' need for cornerback and linebacker help as the basis for the match. Wright has not appeared on defense for New York despite his one-year deal and past honors, and the projection holds even if the Jets win over the next three weeks.

Wright recorded five interceptions with the Bears in 2025.
Wright was named a Pro Bowler last season.
Wright has not played a defensive snap for the Jets this season.
The Bengals could add a cornerback before the trade deadline.

Season Trajectory

Wright's situation reflects how teams with depth issues at cornerback and linebacker may pursue mid-season reshuffles before the trade deadline. A Day 3 price point suggests a modest market for a player whose role has been reduced despite his recent production.

Fantasy managers tracking Wright should note that he has been absent from the Jets' defense this season, lowering his immediate value. A trade before the deadline would change his role and could affect how he is rostered going forward.

The takeaway

Teams sitting on underused veterans often move them quickly once a depth need appears. Readers following Wright should watch for trade news before the deadline, since a move would reset his playing time.