Wright, now 24, has started 49 games since being selected 10th overall out of Tennessee in 2023. He was GM Ryan Poles’ first-ever first-round pick, and in three seasons he’s evolved from a raw physical talent into a dependable right tackle and a second-team All-Pro contender.
Insider Brad Biggs projects the Bears will exercise the fifth-year option, projected at about $20.5 million, and then begin negotiating a multiyear extension. After the draft, he says Chicago will assess roster needs and potential cuts to create cap space for Wright’s next deal.
In terms of performance, Wright posted an 81.4 overall PFF grade (14th among tackles) and an 85.6 run-blocking mark (sixth). His Pass Block Win Rate sits around 95%, ranking among the league’s top five, while he allowed just three sacks and 19 pressures over 1,074 snaps. Notably, he played most of the season with a torn UCL in his right elbow.
Financial realities complicate any extension. Wright’s current base salary is about $1.145 million, but his cap hit is substantially higher, and Chicago currently sits with limited cap space—roughly $200,000—making a big, new deal challenging without restructuring other contracts or creating room.
Market benchmarks for elite right tackles—such as the five-year, about $140 million deals for top peers—set a high bar, and Wright’s ongoing durability makes him a strong candidate for a substantial extension. The Bears are widely expected to prioritize securing his long-term commitment, even if the process requires careful cap planning and timing.
Overall, Chicago is likely to pick up the fifth-year option this spring and then pursue a multiyear extension, with the timeline and terms influenced by cap space and franchise needs in the near term. Wright’s rise and durability give the Bears a compelling case for a long-term investment at one of football’s most important positions.
