Bears gearing up for potential Darnell Wright contract extension

The Chicago Bears are laying the groundwork for potential contract extensions for some key offensive contributors, including quarterback Caleb Williams and right tackle Darnell Wright. While Williams can't sign an extension until the completion of his third season, Wright is eligible to sign now. The Bears recently picked up Wright's fifth-year option, which ensures that he'll be in Chicago at least another year, but it also allows negotiations to get going.

During his pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, general manager Ryan Poles said the Bears will soon get to work on a potential extension for Wright. "We’ll work on a potential extension here in the near future,” Poles said. Wright, a former 10th overall pick in 2023, has been one of the NFL's young, rising stars at right tackle and a cornerstone on Chicago's revamped offensive line.

He's certainly earned a contract extension, one that will make him among the highest-paid at his position. Wright has made it clear he'd like to remain with the Bears for his entire NFL career, but the first step is landing that first contract extension. And, following the NFL draft, the focus should shift to the current roster, which could include signing Wright to a long-term deal.

“Darnell has been a Day 1 starter since he’s been here,” Bears assistant general manager Jeff King said. “He’s been a good player, and hopefully he’ll be here for years to come. ” Follow Bears Wire on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears gearing up for potential Darnell Wright contract extension