With the Chicago Bears trading for New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury, all signs point to Chicago preparing to offer All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright a massive extension.
Especially now that Maxx Crosby is out of the picture.
According to Jason Fitzgerald of OvertheCap.com, with the release of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, trading away DJ Moore, and Drew Dalman retiring, that puts the Bears at around $33 million in cap room. The acquisition of Bradbury only costs Chicago $4.7 million next season, which puts the Bears right around $29 million.
There are still moves the team can make to free up more cap space (cuts, restructures, etc.), but a major emphasis for general manager Ryan Poles is securing a long-term deal with Wright, and the Bears' cost-effective move for Bradbury solidifies that notion.
"I think he can be one of the best to do it," Poles said in a press conference after the season.
The longer the Bears wait to extend Wright, the more money they'll have to pay him.
Garrett Bradbury Trade Points to Massive Darnell Wright Extension
To make things clear, Wright is not a free agent. He is, however, heading into the final year of his rookie deal and is now eligible for a contract extension.
At the end of the season, Wright was asked by reporters about his thoughts on signing a possible extension, and he made his feelings clear.
"I would love to be on this team for my whole career, for sure. That would be great."
Wright has been a cornerstone on offense for the Bears ever since he was drafted in the first round back in 2023. He was on the field for 100% of the Bears' snaps in 2023, 95% in 2024, and 99% in 2025 and received Second Team All-Pro honors in 2025.
When coming up with a contract projection, let's take a look at the top five highest-paid right tackles in the NFL:
Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers - $28.125 million annual salary
Penei Sewell, Lions - $28M annual salary
Lane Johnson, Eagles - $25M annual salary
Zach Tom, Packers - $22M annual salary
Taylor Moton, Panthers - $22M annual salary
A sweet spot for a projected annual salary for Wright would be around the $22-24 million range, with a contract of around 3-4 years.
Poles and Wright are likely aiming for a four-year, $92 million deal. That contract would place Wright among the league's highest-paid right tackles, while still keeping him slightly below the very top tier of the market.
Waiting could also introduce additional competition into the market. If other young tackles around the league sign extensions or reset the market, his price tag would almost certainly rise. Locking Wright up now would allow the Bears to secure a foundational piece of their offensive line while maintaining some long-term cap flexibility.
For a team that has made protecting its quarterback a priority, extending Wright would be the next logical step. Chicago has spent the last few seasons investing heavily in the offensive line, and he has quickly developed into the centerpiece of that unit.
