The Chicago Bears' offensive line has undergone major transformations over the last two offseasons, making it unrecognizable compared to the unit that was there in 2024.
Last offseason, the Bears added Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, which was a massive difference, with Thuney and Dalman each getting Pro Bowl selections. Things got complicated this offseason when Dalman shockingly retired and starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo was ruled out for a good portion of the 2026 season, leaving Braxton Jones at left tackle for the moment, and the Bears traded for Garrett Bradbury to start at center in 2026 while drafting Logan Jones to be the eventual starter there.
One constant with the Bears since 2023 has been starting right tackle Darnell Wright, who has improved to the point of being selected to the second-team All-Pro last year. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised his right tackle and how he has gone about holding up his side of the line.
“I think he’s one of those tackles that’s a powerful player and can displace guys off the line of scrimmage," Johnson said via PFSN's Jacob Infante. "When you have that available, that’s such a luxury that you really gotta be able to sink into it.”
Darnell Wright is getting it done at right tackle for the Bears
Wright was arguably one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL last year after Pro Football Focus graded him out at an 81.4, ranking 14th out of 89 eligible tackles. Adding to the grades, he was the sixth highest graded run blocker among the offensive tackles in the NFL at 85.6. He finished with allowing 19 pressures, three quarterback hits, and three sacks in 638 pass-blocking snaps.
This offseason, the Bears rewarded Wright by picking up his fifth-year option on his rookie contract. That shouldn't last long, though, as Chicago could be looking at giving him a long-term extension in the next year.
Looking at what Bears general manager Ryan Poles has done over the years, Wright was the first great draft pick he made in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Wright has been the model of consistency, continuing to get better year after year; last season was a breakout for him that should have earned him a Pro Bowl selection, but he was snubbed.
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Even if there are going to be more movements on the Bears' line in the future, Wright seems to be the one player who looks poised to be in his spot for a long time, as that kind of stability is needed as the offense evolves into one of the best in the NFL.
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