The Chicago Bears have been one of the more intriguing teams to watch this season-not just because of their improved record, but because of how they’ve gotten there. A major piece of that puzzle?
The offensive line. And right at the heart of that unit’s resurgence is second-year right tackle Darnell Wright, who’s quietly playing at a level that deserves far more attention than it's getting.
Let’s start with what’s changed. The Bears made a trio of offseason moves to upgrade the interior of the line, and those moves have paid off exactly as general manager Ryan Poles had hoped.
Rookie left tackle Ozzie Trupilo, a second-round pick, has stepped in and held his own. But while the new additions have made headlines, Wright-the lone returning starter from last year’s group-has been just as important, if not more so.
Darnell Wright: Holding It Down on the Right Side
Wright’s performance this season has been nothing short of rock-solid. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks 10th among all qualifying tackles in pressures allowed, giving up just 17 so far.
His pass-block efficiency score sits at 97.9, tied for sixth-best in the league. That’s elite company.
But it’s not just about protecting the quarterback. When the Bears run the ball to Wright’s side on traditional run plays, they’re averaging 0.3 yards more per carry than when they go left.
That kind of split isn’t just a stat-it’s a reflection of trust. The coaching staff clearly sees Wright’s side as a strength in both phases of the game.
And for a team that’s trying to build a sustainable identity around physicality and balance on offense, having a right tackle who can anchor both the pass and run game is invaluable.
A Contract on the Horizon
Wright won’t be extension-eligible until the 2026 offseason, but make no mistake-he’s already putting himself in position to cash in. If he continues on this trajectory, he’ll be near the top of Poles’ priority list when the time comes.
So what might that future deal look like?
Let’s compare Wright’s profile to a recent benchmark: Taylor Moton of the Panthers. Before signing his five-year, $85 million extension in 2021, Moton had a similar production arc.
He was consistent, durable, and reliable in both pass and run blocking. But Wright brings a few key advantages to the table.
He’s younger than Moton was at the time of his deal, and he came into the league with a higher draft pedigree. While Moton edges him slightly in pass protection metrics, Wright has been the more dominant force in the run game.
Moton’s deal averaged $17 million per year, which at the time represented 8.37% of a modified salary cap. If you project that percentage forward to a 2026 cap of $300 million, Wright’s camp could reasonably push for a deal worth at least $25 million per year.
And that might just be the floor.
Another comp to consider is Braden Smith’s 2021 extension, which came in at $17.5 million per year. If Wright’s production continues to trend upward over a three-year stretch, that number could jump even higher-potentially to $26 million annually. That would put him just behind Lions star Penei Sewell as the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL.
What the Bears Could Be Looking At
From the team’s perspective, a long-term extension makes sense. Wright still has time left on his rookie deal, and the Bears will almost certainly pick up his fifth-year option if they don’t strike a long-term agreement before then. A four-year extension, tacked onto his current deal, would effectively keep him in Chicago through 2031.
That kind of structure-four new years at $104 million-would give Wright an average annual value of just over $21.2 million when factoring in his current contract. It’s a big number, but it’s also a strategic one. A longer deal allows the front office to spread out cap hits and cash flow, giving Poles the flexibility he needs to continue building a competitive roster around a strong offensive core.
Bottom Line
Darnell Wright isn’t just holding his own-he’s becoming a foundational piece for the Bears. In a season where Chicago has taken significant steps forward, Wright’s growth has been both steady and substantial. He’s proving that he’s not just a solid right tackle-he’s one of the best in the game right now.
And if the Bears want to keep this momentum going, locking up Wright long-term should be more than just a future priority-it should be a cornerstone of their plan.