Chicago Bears Extend Darnell Wright to Four-Year, $116M Deal The Chicago Bears have agreed to a landmark four-year contract extension with right tackle Darnell Wright, securing the player’s future with the team through 2027. The deal, negotiated by Octagon Football’s Jeremy Newberry, totals $116 million with $93 million guaranteed, making Wright the highest-paid right tackle in NFL history. The contract surpasses the previous record held by Laremy Tunsil, who earned $30.1 million annually as part of his extension with the Washington Commanders. Wright’s average annual salary of $29 million places him among the top earners at the offensive tackle position. Bears general manager Ryan Poles emphasized the significance of the move, stating, “As we continue to build our team and develop our culture, we are excited that Darnell will remain a cornerstone of our franchise as we work toward creating sustained success.” Poles highlighted Wright’s impact on the team, noting his ability to elevate his play and the performance of his teammates since joining the Bears in 2023. The extension solidifies Wright’s role as a key contributor to the team’s long-term goals. Wright, selected 10th overall in the 2023 NFL draft out of Tennessee, became the first first-round pick under Poles’ leadership. At 24, the veteran has started all 49 games he has played in over three seasons, missing only two contests. Despite playing through an elbow injury sustained in Week 3 of the 2025 season, Wright earned second-team All-Pro honors and ranked fourth in pass block win rate (95.2%) last season. His 93.07% snap count on offense underscored his reliability as a consistent presence on the line. The Bears had already exercised Wright’s fifth-year option in May 2025, expressing a strong desire to retain him throughout the offseason.#chicago_bears #ryan_poles #darnell_wright #octagon_football #jeremy_newberry
