One storyline seems to be lingering during the Chicago Bears training camp that needs to be resolved soon.
Starting right tackle Darnell Wright is in line for a massive contract extension, and the team wants to get it done before the season begins. Bears general manager Ryan Poles addressed Wright's potential contract extension, saying there is a timeline to keep the situation from "becoming a distraction."
"There is a window to get a deal done," Poles said via CHGO.
Bears and Darnell Wright looking to get new contract extension done soon
Wright is coming off the best season of his career, becoming a second-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. Last year, he allowed 19 pressures, three quarterback hits, and three sacks in 638 pass-blocking snaps. Pro Football Focus gave him an 81.4 overall grade, ranking 14th out of 89 offensive tackles in the NFL.
During the offseason, the first step in getting his contract extension done was completed with the Bears picking up his fifth-year option on his rookie deal. He's expected to get paid $19 million in 2027.
It's now all a matter of figuring out what that final number needs to be on a new contract. Wright could be looking at about $25 million per year or more.
Every season since being the Bears' first-round pick in 2023, Wright has continued to improve his game, which led to last year's performance. He has the respect of the NFL, as he is considered one of the best offensive tackles in the league.
Because he has gotten so good at right tackle, there have been people from outside the organization calling for him to be the new left tackle to replace Ozzy Trapilo while he recovers from injury. Wright has proven himself to be a great right tackle, so moving him at this point doesn't make sense for his career.
Wright has been a big part of helping this offensive line transform into one of the best in the NFL. Last year, they allowed only 24 sacks, which was an improvement over the 68 they allowed in 2024. The Bears' offense also ranked third in rushing yards, largely thanks to the offensive line.
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Poles knows how important the offensive line is for the Bears' offense, so he wants to get a deal done soon enough. Getting Wright locked in on a new deal will help Chicago enter the 2026 season with no drama in an all-important season.
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