Bears sign Darnell Wright to record $116M deal

The Chicago Bears have secured a cornerstone of their offensive line for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a record-breaking contract extension with right tackle Darnell Wright on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The deal, valued at four years and $116 million with $93 million guaranteed, makes Wright the highest-paid right tackle in NFL history and includes the most guaranteed money ever for an offensive lineman.

Wright, 24, was the tenth overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee and has started every game he has played for the Bears. His new contract represents a significant investment by general manager Ryan Poles, who made Wright his first-ever draft pick upon taking over the Bears' football operations in 2022. The extension follows a standout 2025 season where Wright earned second-team All-Pro honors, becoming the first Bears offensive lineman to receive All-Pro recognition since 2014.

His performance last season was a key factor in the team's offensive resurgence. Anchoring the right side of the line, Wright helped the Bears' rushing attack rank third in the league. Analysts credited his elite run-blocking as a major reason for the success of running backs D'Andre...