Bears reach historic 4-year, $116 million extension with RT Darnell Wright

The Chicago Bears have locked down a key Caleb Williams protector.

The Bears reached a new four-year, $116 million deal with offensive lineman Darnell Wright on Tuesday afternoon, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Raport. Wright will receive $93 million guaranteed, too.

The deal is now the richest in NFL history for a right tackle, surpassing the mark that Detroit Lions lineman Penei Sewell previously set with his four-year, $112 million deal.

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Only two other offensive lineman throughout the league are earning more than Wright now, too. Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Tristan Wirfs leads the way on that front. The former Iowa star signed a five-year, $140.6 million extension in 2024. New York Giants lineman Andrew Thomas is on a $117.5 million deal, too. 

The Bears first selected Wright with the No. 10 overall pick out of Tennessee in 2023. He’s been a key piece to their offensive line ever since, and he earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. 

While it’s may not be the most exciting extension, the Bears have secured a huge player who can protect Williams for years to come. The quarterback is entering his third season in the league this fall. He threw for a career-high 3,942 yards and threw 27 touchdowns last season while leading the Bears to both a division title and their first playoff appearance since 2020.

The Bears will open the 2026 campaign on Sept. 13 against the Carolina Panthers.