LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) — The Bears are already preparing for the prospect of signing quarterback Caleb Williams to a lucrative long-term contract extension next year, an investment that will have significant ramifications on their books. But there’s another major contract extension for another young cornerstone that could come first.
Bears right tackle Darnell Wright is in line for a contract extension this offseason, one that would pay him among the top players at his position. Recently, the Bears formally exercised the fifth-year option for Wright’s contract for 2027, though that’s more of a procedural maneuver ahead of negotiations.
"We’ll work on a potential extension here in the near future,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said.
Wright's next contract hasn't been a priority just yet for the Bears as they focused on free agency in March and have been preparing for the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday. Once the draft is completed, the focus will return to players on the roster.
The No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Wright has started 49 of a possible 51 games at right tackle in his three-year tenure in Chicago. He has emerged as one of the game’s premier offensive tackles, having earned second-team All-Pro honors last season.
Wright could command a contract similar to that of Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs, who struck a five-year deal worth $140 million in August 2024. Wright is represented by Octagon, the same agency that represents Wirfs, and will turn 25 in August – the same age Wirfs was when he landed his lucrative contract.
“I would love to be on the team for my whole career,” Wright said in January. “That’d be great.”
Williams’ contract situation will be a dynamic for the Bears to keep in mind as they get set to negotiate with Wright. Williams is eligible for an extension next offseason.
The Bears have begun to prepare themselves for the potential of signing Williams to a lucrative deal that will take up a good deal of cap space on their books for years to come. Poles has background in giving a star quarterback a massive contract. He previously worked for the Chiefs, who won multiple Super Bowl championships after signing superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a record contract.
The challenge becomes maintaining a championship-caliber roster around such a highly paid quarterback. For the Bears, the puzzle begins with Wright.
“Darnell has been a Day 1 starter since he’s been here,” Bears assistant general manager Jeff King said. “He’s been a good player, and hopefully he’ll be here for years to come.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
