Nahshon Wright started the week on a high note after the NFL announced performance-based pay, awarding millions in bonuses based on playing time and salary level.
NFL Awards Nahshon Wright League-High Performance Bonus
According to Ian Rapoport, Wright, the former Chicago Bears cornerback now with the New York Jets, earned the highest bonus under Performance-Based Pay. The $1,441,397 bonus exceeds his 2025 salary.
The program, established in the collective bargaining agreement and designed to level the playing field for players who deliver elite results without huge contracts, rewarded Wright handsomely for his high productivity relative to his low-cost contract.
The NFL sets aside an annual fund of hundreds of millions of dollars distributed among the 32 teams, with the largest amounts typically paid to late-round draft picks or undrafted free agents who become starters.
These bonuses do not count against the teams’ salary cap for the current year, as they are paid from a separate league fund.
The NFL’s performance-based pay is calculated using a formula that divides playing time by total compensation. Since Wright was earning near the veteran minimum ($1.1 million) but played virtually every defensive snap, his value per play was extremely high for the team and low for his own pocket.
This bonus is specifically designed to reward players who deliver far more than their contracts stipulate.
Wright’s Breakout 2025 Season Led to Jets Deal
Wright, who ranks No. 61 in the PFSN CB Impact metric with a C grade, is one of the players who has shown the most improvement at the cornerback position in the league over the past few years.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Wright in the third round of the 2021 draft out of Oregon State. He had unremarkable stints with his first team and then the Minnesota Vikings before landing with the Chicago Bears. The Bears gave him an opportunity in 2025 with a contract worth just $1.1 million, and it proved to be a major boost for his career.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
During the 2025 season, Wright became a full-time starter, playing about 96% of the Bears’ defensive snaps and recording 5 interceptions. His breakout year earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and the “Biggest Steal” title.
Wright’s standout season with the Bears solidified his market value. After his breakout year, the cornerback signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets worth up to $5.5 million, with $3.5 million guaranteed. The significant increase reflects his new status in the league.
