The Bears locked up right tackle Darnell Wright on Tuesday with a four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed. The deal ranks among the richest ever for an offensive lineman, rewarding Wright after establishing himself as one of the league's elite pass protectors.
Wright was a second-round pick in 2022 and has developed into a cornerstone piece for Chicago's offensive line. The massive guaranteed money reflects how the Bears view him, committing long-term resources to protect whoever plays quarterback under the new regime. Getting this deal done before the season started keeps Wright off the trade block and signals the front office is building around him.
The extension comes as offensive line investments have climbed across the NFL. Teams increasingly value elite tackles who can keep their signal-callers upright, and Wright's age and trajectory put him in that premium tier. For the Bears, locking him up early avoids a bidding war next offseason and removes a potential distraction heading into the season.