While nothing much can be done now with the Chicago Bears' current 2026 roster, there are some future plans they could be making.
One hot topic has been when they will give star quarterback Caleb Williams a contract extension, as Bears general manager Ryan Poles has publicly admitted to preparing for it, but another extension might have to be given out first. Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker named Bears right tackle Darnell Wright as one of the 15 extension candidates in the NFL.
"After a more pedestrian first season, Wright has turned into one of the league’s best tackles. Since 2024, Wright ranks 11th in WAR (0.50) and 15th in overall PFF grade (85.1) at the position. He’s been particularly lucrative in the run game, where his 86.5 PFF run-blocking mark places sixth. With the Bears’ offensive beginning to take shape under Ben Johnson in 2025, Wright remains a key part of the team’s upward trajectory. The 24-year-old should fetch at least $23 million per season on his new contract."
Bears might have to look into getting Darnell Wright a new contract soon
Wright has been getting better and better every season, and the 2025 campaign was a work of magic for him. PFF graded him as the 14th-best overall tackle in the NFL with an 81.5. He also had the sixth-best run blocking grade among 89 tackles with 85.6.
In 638 pass blocking snaps, Wright allowed 19 pressures, three quarterback hits, and three sacks, but was penalized 12 times in 1,074 total snaps.
His 2025 season was capped off by earning his first All-Pro selection, named to the second team. That helped the Bears decide to pick up his fifth-year option before the NFL Draft, as he will be earning roughly $19 million in 2027.
It's as clear as day that Wright is the future at right tackle, and the Bears made the right call picking him in the 2023 NFL Draft. With a line that has seen many changes over the last two years, Wright has stayed the course on the right side and performed well.
Read more: Bears reporter raves about team's most improved position in new power rankings
Locker might be selling Wright short with his $23 million per year contract; if he has another great year like 2025, it might go for even more. The Bears might be smart in potentially looking at locking him in for a new contract before the 2026 season kicks off to help save themselves money.
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