The Bears are investing in Caleb Williams' protection ahead of the 2026 season.
Chicago has agreed with right tackle Darnell Wright on a four-year, $116 million contract extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday.
The extension includes $93 million in guaranteed money, per Rapoport and Fowler -- the most for an offensive lineman in NFL history -- and makes Wright one of the highest-paid tackles in the league.
The Bears later announced the extension.
At $29 million per year, Wright becomes the highest-paid right tackle in the NFL and trails only Washington's Laremy Tunsil ($30.1 million) for the lead among all tackles.
It's a deserved payday for Wright, a 2023 first-round pick out of Tennessee who blossomed in his first season played under coach Ben Johnson, starting 16 games and earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. Despite having the fifth-year option included in his contract -- keeping him under team control through 2027 -- Chicago decided to extend Wright now, securing one of their most valuable linemen who played an integral role in Williams' successful second season.
If Chicago is asked to explain the extension, Bears general manager Ryan Poles can point to Wright's durability. The tackle has played in at least 16 games in each of his first three seasons and proved significant playing time can promote growth.
With big money now on the books, Wright will be expected to maintain his stellar performance for years to come.
