Nahshon Wright not playing means something has gone right for the Jets

The New York Jets may not have a disgruntled player on their hands in superstar wide receiver Garrett Wilson, but cornerback Nahshon Wright is a different story. Signed this past offseason to a one-year, $3.5 million contract, he's yet to play a single defensive snap in 2026.

Understandably, it's got him frustrated, and it's hard not to blame him. He was named a Pro Bowler in 2025 and recorded five interceptions for a team that made it to the divisional round of the playoffs. Wright told ESPN's Rich Cimini as much on Wednesday, saying he's "definitely frustrated."

When asked if he's specifically requested a trade, Wright told Cimini, "Not formally, [but] I've expressed my feelings. I think I've earned that right. I'm open to anything at this point. I just want to go where I can play, whether it's here or somewhere else. I just want to contribute. I know what I can do and I think I put that on display. So, yeah, it's definitely frustrating."

Wright has all the reason in the world to be upset with his current role. After signing a one-year prove-it deal this past spring, the only way he's going to get paid in 2027 is if he shows out again. The problem is, the Jets are kind of good at cornerback right now. Their two starters have been solid.

New York Jets don't need Nahshon Wright, so they should probably trade him

Both Azareye'h Thomas and Brandon Stephens, the Jets' two starting boundary cornerbacks this year, have been at least above average to good throughout the first seven games of the season. If either player wasn't up to standard, Wright most certainly would be playing right now.

See, the Jets signed Wright as insurance for their 2025 third-round pick, Thomas. If he wasn't playing as well as he was in Year 2, or if he had lost that job in training camp, Wright surely would be a bigger piece of the puzzle.

But he's not. The Jets coaching staff decided months ago that Thomas is the better cornerback, and it's had Wright on the bench ever since. He's not a good enough special teams contributor, leaving him inactive on game days.

If either Thomas or Stephens were to get hurt, Wright would almost assuredly step in as one of the starting cornerbacks. He's got more experience and more upside than the likes of D'Angelo Ponds or Qwan'tez Stiggers, respectively.

But that's a position the Jets have been relatively healthy at, and they haven't needed him. With just over a week until the trade deadline, New York is probably better off finding a new home for Wright somewhere else.

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