LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) -- Bears general manager Ryan Poles hopes to have starting right tackle Darnell Wright with the team on a long-term contract extension.
For his part, Wright hopes to remain with the Bears well beyond his current rookie contract – which extends beyond 2027 after the team tendered the fifth-year option.
“Obviously, I want to be here for a long time, hopefully my whole career," Wright said Friday.
Wright, 24, has been a three-year starter at right tackle for 49 games. He has proven to be a key figure of stability for the Bears' offense.
But contract negotiations between the Bears and Wright have not progressed towards a deal, sources indicated.
Poles expressed that on Tuesday while addressing reporters prior to the start of training camp.
“I think there’s a window to get a deal done," Poles said. "And then at some point, we’ve got to go play football. So, we’ll figure that part out. But obviously I think I’ve said it before Darnell’s a guy we want here long term. It takes two sides to get things done.
"I don’t want any distractions or anything like that. So, when it’s time to go play football, we’ll go play football and keep it moving. But, yeah, he’s a guy we would like here for a while.”
On Tuesday, Vikings tackle Brian O'Neill signed a four-year deal worth $96 million. A two-time Pro Bowl tackle – most recently last season – O'Neill is 30 years old, six years older than Wright.
Now entering his fourth NFL season, Wright has established himself as one of the top tackles in the league. Poles says the next step for Wright is a greater level of consistency at his position.
Wright is embracing that call as he works towards that future with the Bears.
"Just showing up every day," Wright said.
Bears camp report
The Bears practiced for two hours on Friday as they continued a ramp-up period for this first week of training camp.
Second-year running back Kyle Monangai was not present for a second straight day. The Bears have not offered an update on his status.
The Bears will hold one more practice Saturday morning as part of this ramp-up phase. Following an off day Sunday, the team will conduct its first work in full pads and live speed Monday morning.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
