Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is zoned in on making sure the team has the right plan of attack for the 2026 NFL Draft, but he decided to also make sure one of his current players on the roster is in good hands for the future.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Bears have picked up starting right tackle Darnell Wright's fifth-year option, solidifying him for the 2027 season. Wright's cap hit for the 2027 season is expected to be $19 million
Last year was a career year for Wright as he was Pro Football Focus's 14th ranked tackle out of 89 in the NFL with a grade of 81.4. He finished with allowing 19 pressures, three quarterback hits, and three sacks in 638 pass blocking snaps. Wright also was selected as a second-team All-Pro member after the season.
Bears pick up the fifth-year option on Darnell Wright
This was an expected outcome after the kind of season he had. There was plenty of instability at the left tackle position between Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, and Ozzy Trapilo, all taking snaps there during the regular season. The one constant at tackle is Wright holding down the fort on the right side.
Wright was the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, where there were some doubts about him early in his career. He has developed into one of the best at his position in the NFL. The only thing he needs to clean up is the large number of penalties called on him.
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There has already been a lot of movement on the offensive line, with Trapilo expected to miss a good portion of the 2026 season with injury, and Garrett Bradbury is the new center. Wright is still holding strong at right tackle, with Bears fans needing to be prepared that a long-term contract is in his future.