Story perspectives

Bears Give Darnell Wright $116M Deal, Highest-Paid Right Tackle

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Chicago Bears signed right tackle Darnell Wright to a four-year, $116 million extension with $93 million guaranteed.
The deal is the largest contract for a right tackle and the most guaranteed money for any offensive lineman.
Wright’s $29 million average annual salary makes him the highest-paid right tackle and the second-highest-paid offensive tackle behind Laremy Tunsil.
Poles said the extension locks in a cornerstone as the Bears build around quarterback Caleb Williams.

History

Historical Context

Since the 2011 CBA gave players roughly 47 % of league revenue and raised the minimum cap, the NFL’s salary ceiling has climbed each season. The cap reached $167 million in 2017, paving the way for the Patriots’ 2015 $30 million Marcus Cannon contract and the Bears’ 2024 four-year, $116 million extension that makes Darnell Wright the highest-paid right tackle at $29 million annually.

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Story summary

The Chicago Bears signed right tackle Darnell Wright to a four-year, $116 million extension with $93 million guaranteed.
The deal is the largest contract for a right tackle and the most guaranteed money for any offensive lineman.
Wright’s $29 million average annual salary makes him the highest-paid right tackle and the second-highest-paid offensive tackle behind Laremy Tunsil.
Poles said the extension locks in a cornerstone as the Bears build around quarterback Caleb Williams.

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