With over a month until training camp starts, the Chicago Bears have a lingering storyline that will continue until something happens: Darnell Wright's potential contract extension.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of talk about when the Bears and Wright could agree on a contract extension. ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin shared her thoughts in a recent article about when she expects it to be done, revealing a clear trend.
"The Bears would like to get an extension done with the 2023 first-rounder before training camp, which is typically when they've struck new deals in the past (Cole Kmet in 2023, DJ Moore in 2024). Despite playing most of last season with a torn UCL, Wright put together the best season of his career and earned second-team All-Pro honors."
Darnell Wright's contract extension should be done before training camp
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been all about limiting the drama that could be at training camp, so the team can focus on practicing. Poles has done a good job of getting this done and wants to make sure he takes care of Wright.
After a stellar All-Pro season in 2025, Wright had his fifth-year option picked up on his rookie contract. That was the first clear step that the Bears don't want to let their star right tackle go.
The Bears' offensive line has seen some major improvements over the last year thanks to the additions of Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. Wright has seen his own improvements, culminating in the best season of his career last year.
He was Pro Football Focus's 14th-ranked tackle out of 89 last season, grading out at an 81.4. He allowed 19 pressures, three quarterback hits, and three sacks in 638 pass blocking snaps. The one aspect of his game he has to improve on going into the 2026 season is the penalties, as he had 12 last year.
With Dalman retired and the injury to Ozzy Trapilo at left tackle, there is more pressure on Wright this season to play his best football. Chicago's offensive line might go through some growing pains with potentially Garrett Bradbury at center and Braxton Jones at left tackle.
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Wright will get his new contract soon enough, and then he'll have a chance to show the NFL that the Bears were right in paying him the big bucks.
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