The Bears secure their All-Pro right tackle through the 2027 season as they prepare for a potential long-term extension.
Category: Sports
The Chicago Bears are officially picking up the fifth-year option for All-Pro offensive tackle Darnell Wright, ensuring his presence on the roster through the 2027 season. This move, announced on April 20, 2026, reflects the team's commitment to solidifying their offensive line as they look to build around their young quarterback, Caleb Williams.
Wright, who was selected as the No. 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the premier right tackles in the league. His performance in the 2025 season earned him second-team All-Pro honors, a recognition that highlights his skill and potential. During that season, Wright started all 16 games, allowing just three sacks and 19 total pressures, all the more impressive considering he played with a torn UCL in his elbow.
The projected cost for Wright's fifth-year option is approximately $19,072,000. Interestingly, had Wright been selected to the Pro Bowl in 2025, that figure would have risen significantly to $23,392,000. This fortunate break for the Bears allows them to retain a top-tier talent at a relatively lower cost.
“Exercising the fifth-year option was an easy call for the Bears to make,” noted NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “Wright is a budding star at the right tackle position and proved he can be among the best offensive linemen in the game after last season.”
As the Bears look to the future, they are also considering a long-term extension for Wright. Sources suggest that his new deal could range between $27 million and $30 million annually over a three to four-year period. This would place him among the highest-paid players at his position, competing with the current top earner, Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions, whose contract averages $28 million per year.
The decision to activate Wright's option comes at a time when the Bears are facing numerous roster decisions. With Williams having led the team to an 11-6 record and a playoff appearance in 2025, the Bears are eager to continue building around him. They have already made moves to bolster their offensive line, including the acquisition of Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots.
Wright's role has been particularly important in protecting Williams, who threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. Williams’ success has been attributed to the improvements made along the offensive line, with Wright playing a key part in that equation.
In addition to Wright, the Bears are also prioritizing other positions in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. General manager Ryan Poles is weighing options for the No. 25 pick, which could address the need for additional talent on the line.
“Having Wright locked in for the next two seasons will be a big help for Caleb Williams,” explained a Bears spokesperson. “It gives the young quarterback a trusted protector on his left side and more time to make plays.”
This marks the first time since Roquan Smith that the Bears have picked up a fifth-year option for a first-round pick, signaling a shift in the team's approach to managing its young talent. The Bears are clearly intent on maintaining a strong core of players as they aim to return to playoff contention.
As the 2026 season approaches, fans are optimistic about the Bears' prospects. With Wright secured and a promising quarterback leading the charge, the team is making strides toward becoming a formidable force in the league. The decisions made in the coming months will be instrumental in shaping the future of the franchise.
In the aftermath of these developments, the Bears organization continues to focus on building a competitive roster. The upcoming offseason will be filled with speculation and anticipation as fans eagerly await news of Wright's potential long-term contract and any additional moves the front office may make.
With a solid foundation in place, the Bears are setting their sights high for the future. The combination of Wright's talent and Williams' leadership could very well lead to a resurgence for the storied franchise.