The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a big move, and it's all about locking down their star right tackle, Darnell Wright. After a standout season that earned him a Second Team All-Pro nod, the Bears recently exercised his fifth-year option—a decision that was essentially a no-brainer. Wright has been a model of durability and consistency, missing just two games in three years while starting all 49 regular-season appearances and two playoff contests.
Now, the buzz is all about what comes next. With Wright turning 25 soon, general manager Ryan Poles has hinted that a contract extension is on the horizon. Currently, Wright's deal carries a cap hit of $6.67 million this year and $19.07 million in 2027, but those numbers could change dramatically if negotiations heat up this season.
Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker projects Wright could command "at least $23 million per season" on his new deal. That's a hefty raise, but it's backed by impressive numbers. Since 2024, Wright ranks 11th in WAR (0.50) and 15th in overall PFF grade (85.1) among tackles. Where he really shines is in the run game, where his 86.5 run-blocking grade places him sixth in the league—a stat that perfectly fits the Bears' offensive identity.
To put that in perspective, let's look at recent right tackle contracts. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Tristan Wirfs, a five-time Pro Bowler, signed a five-year, $140.6 million extension in August 2024, averaging $28.1 million per year. Detroit Lions' Penei Sewell, a four-time Pro Bowler, inked a four-year, $112 million extension in April 2024, averaging $28 million per season. Even the Philadelphia Eagles' Lane Johnson, at 35 years old, secured a one-year, $25 million extension last year, reflecting the premium placed on elite tackle play.
Given Wright's trajectory and the market trends, it's reasonable to expect his average annual value to land closer to $25 million than $23 million. That might raise some eyebrows, but for a player who has quickly become one of the league's best—especially in the trenches—this extension would be a smart investment for the Bears' future. Whether you're stocking up on Bears gear or just following the offseason moves, this is one deal worth watching.