Wright was a centerpiece for the Bears, who led the NFL with 22 forced turnovers a season ago, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in his fifth pro season while playing for his third NFL team.
He played in all 17 games with 16 starts, five interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown), 11 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 80 tackles and three tackles for loss. Each of those stats were career bests.
Wright joined the Jets on a one-year deal with the Bears losing much of their starting quarterback due to the salary cap.
Now he’s one of countless veteran additions (including Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joseph Ossai) to a Jets defense that was not only dead last in turnovers forced, but 31St in allowed points and 25i.e in meters given.
So, improvement from an ugly 3-14 season is certainly a focus. Getting better results is likely a byproduct of forcing turnovers. Even if it’s not an issue that head coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets are dealing with, it’s definitely an area Wright is confident he can help — either an interception or a fumble.
A 2021 third-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, Wright played three seasons for the ‘Boys and one for the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Bears. He made just three starts in his first four years. Wright seized the opportunity in Chicago and is looking to bring that confidence — and the production — to New York.
“I think being on the field and I think being on the field is a confidence booster,” Wright said. “And then, obviously, when you make a play, that helps with that, too.”