Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that the Bears want a long-term extension for right tackle Darnell Wright finished before rookies report on July 25 and veterans on July 28.
- Chicago exercised Wright’s fifth-year option, guaranteeing a $19.07 million 2027 salary while leaving him extension-eligible this offseason.
- Wright earned second-team All-Pro honors after a breakout 2025 campaign in which he played most of the year with a torn UCL, raising his on-field value.
- Coverage projects Wright’s next contract will start near $20 million per year and could push toward $25 million-plus annually, requiring careful salary-cap planning.
- The Bears’ pattern of closing in-house extensions before camp and coach Ben Johnson’s public praise for Wright make a pre-camp agreement likely but no deal has been announced.