LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) – Bears right tackle Darnell Wright is a soft-spoken individual. He’s a bit reserved by nature when he isn’t blocking opposing edge rushers.
Early in his Bears tenure, Wright was shy about asking for the help he needed, whether it be a one-on-one session with his coaches or the strength team. He was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and one of the most important players inside Halas Hall, but the humble Wright didn’t want to be a bother to those around him.
So Bears general manager Ryan Poles took it upon himself to help Wright get the resources that he needed to improve. Wright always appreciated that, viewing it as genuine care for his personal growth rather than just what the team needed.
As Wright signed a four-year, $116-million contract with the Bears on Tuesday, he was grateful to the many individuals inside Halas Hall who have helped him develop into an All-Pro performer who landed life-changing money. That started with Poles, who has been there by his side since he made Wright his first first-round pick in Chicago.
"Even long before this financial investment, I knew he was invested in me," Wright said. "He drafted me, first and foremost, so I knew he believed in me. To see that he puts his foot forward first to even like invest some of the time into me.
"He's investing more than just being a general manager into me. So, I feel like I want to pay that back forward and be a good player – not just for the team but for everyone who has helped me."
Days before the 2023 NFL Draft, Poles brought a Bears contingent to Knoxville, Tennessee, to work out Wright. The Bears wanted to test his motor and see what was truly under the hood. The Bears left with a conviction to select Wright in the draft.
The Bears held the No. 9 overall selection in that draft. They traded back one spot – passing on star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, whom the Eagles moved up to select – and then made Wright their pick.
Wright is now three years into his NFL career and has proved himself as a worthy selection and cornerstone for the Bears. He has started 49 games for the Bears at right tackle and made a strong impression on those around him.
“His approach and professionalism is what stood out from the start of the springtime a year ago up until this point," Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. "He just continues to get better.
"His discipline continues to get better, the professionalism with which he enters the building just continues to get better every single day.”
Wright’s working relationship with Johnson has helped him ascend. Wright feels that Johnson incorporates him in building the Bears’ offensive scheme in a way that doesn't often come for an offensive tackle.
That gives Wright even more confidence.
“He moves whatever is in front of him," Bears running back Kyle Monangai said. "He makes it easy.”
As part of his new contract, Wright is owed $93 million guaranteed. That’s the highest guarantee ever for an offensive lineman in NFL history. His average annual salary of $29 million is the highest ever for a right tackle. It was an investment the Bears were more than willing to make given how they’ve seen Wright grow.
Now looking back, Wright understands the Bears were guiding him toward this day.
“I feel very grateful that they trusted me like that and they believe in me," Wright said.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
