One player that is not talked about much, but is entering a critical season, is right tackle Darnell Wright. Pro Football Focus thinks that while he has not ascended into being a Pro Bowl quality player quite yet, this could be the year for him, as he is their player to highlight on the Bears offense.
"Wright is quickly emerging as one of the NFL’s most dependable starting right tackles. His 79.3 PFF grade ranked fourth among right tackles last season, trailing only Penei Sewell, Lane Johnson and Zach Tom. He also excelled in zone blocking, earning an 89.9 grade in that area — seventh among all qualified tackles — which should align well with Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme."Dalton Wasserman
Wright could be the difference maker on offensive line with big 2025 season
Any list you can be on with Penei Sewell and Lane Johnson is great, and if the Bears' grades match the PFF grades, it will be obvious that the Bears will extend him with a significant contract after this season. As noted, his run blocking may even improve in the Ben Johnson system, which could elevate his name into the higher echelon of tackles in the NFL.
This is a big year for Wright due to his contract situation. After his third NFL season, the Bears will have to decide on his fifth-year option. However, in the case of most first-round picks, it is less about picking up the option and more of a signal that it is time to extend that player.
If you like him after three seasons, then you do not want that fifth year to be a contract stifle with the price tag raised from when you could have signed him. So, Wright has significant money on the line.
Assuming Wright is the perfect fit for Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears see their right tackle emerge into one of the most respected in the NFL, you can bet that the money will match it.
Fans can look at Zach Tom, who PFF is also high on, and see what kind of money Wright may be getting if he performs this year. A year where he plateaus is likely still to lead to a big contract, but perhaps not one that tops Tom's. A poor year may just lead them to hope he earns it after the following season.
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So, it is not just a big season on the field, but also in the negotiating room. That makes him a smart player to spotlight before the 2025 season.