Chicago Bears seek contract extension for right tackle Darnell Wright as 2026 offseason unfolds
The Chicago Bears are targeting a long‑term extension for 2025 second‑team All‑Pro right tackle Darnell Wright. General manager Ryan Poles said the team wants Wright “here long term” as the club has already exercised his fifth‑year option for 2027. Wright, the No. 10 pick in 2023, has started 49 of 51 possible games and posted a 98.1% pass‑blocking efficiency in 2025, putting him in the market where deals now exceed $30 million per year.
At the same time, the Bears are addressing a volatile left‑tackle situation. Former first‑round pick Braxton Jones, undrafted Theo Benedet, rookie Ozzy Trapilo and newly signed Jedrick Wills are all competing for the position, with the coaching staff emphasizing conditioning and technique.
Quarterback Caleb Williams, who led Chicago to an 11‑6 record, an NFC North title and a historic comeback win in the 2025 playoffs, returns as the focal point of the offense. The team lost wide receiver DJ Moore, tight end Drew Dalman and several defensive starters, while adding cornerback Coby Bryant and safety Devin Bush.
Training camp opened with a 90‑man roster, highlighting speedsters like wide receiver Zavion Thomas and rookie defensive back Dillon Thieneman. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum also weighed in publicly, arguing that Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love remains a better prospect than Williams, but his comments reflect only one side of ongoing debate.
Entities: Braxton Jones · Caleb Williams · Chicago Bears · Darnell Wright · Jedrick Wills · Mike Tannenbaum · Ryan Poles
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pro Football Focus graded Darnell Wright the No. 14 best offensive tackle last season. (According to Pro Football Focus, Wright was the No. 14 best offensive tackle.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Bears' left‑tackle competition includes Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, Ozzy Trapilo and Jedrick Wills, all of whom trained with Terron Armstead. (Poles outlined the left‑tackle battle involving Jones, Benedet, Trapilo and Wills, noting they all trained with former 2)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] All Bears players reported for training camp on Tuesday, with practices beginning Wednesday. (The team reported for camp on Tuesday; practice starts Wednesday.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Darnell Wright has started 49 games over his first three seasons. (Wright has appeared and started in 49 games through his first three seasons.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bears GM Ryan Poles is open to giving Darnell Wright a contract extension during training camp. (Bears GM Ryan Poles said the team is open to extending right tackle Darnell Wright.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Darnell Wright could receive a contract worth around $25 million. (The deal being discussed for Wright is near $25 million.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ozzy Trapilo ruptured his patellar tendon in the Wild‑Card game and will miss most of the 2026 season. (Trapilo's injury will keep him out for most of the 2026 season.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Bears acquired center Garrett Bradbury via trade to replace Drew Dalman. (The Bears traded for center Garrett Bradbury to replace Dalman.)