The Chicago Bears have handed out a trio of extensions prior to Ben Johnson’s arrival. Linebacker TJ Edwards and cornerback Kyler Gordon will continue to bolster the defense while guard Joe Thuney gives the Bears a new look on offense.
When it comes to helping quarterback Caleb Williams reach his ceiling, the addition of Thuney will be massive. He joins fellow guard Jonah Jackson and center Drew Dalman as three new faces along their interior. After allowing a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, Chicago took an aggressive approach in remedying the issue.
However, the Bears want their offensive line to be a strength for the foreseeable future; which is why they signed Thuney to an extension. Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports argues that right tackle Darnell Wright should be next in line to receive a new deal. Signing Wright long-term gives the Bears stability and would certainly hype up Williams.
“Wright will be extension eligible next offseason and is currently under contract through the 2027 season with the fifth-year option,” Sullivan wrote. “Chicago has spent the offseason investing heavily along the interior of the defensive line, and will likely continue that trend of building a wall in front of Caleb Williams at tackle.”
Darnell Wright gives Chicago Bears pivotal building block
The Bears selected Wright with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It may have been considered a reach to some, as Wright was ranked as the No. 18 prospect in that year’s class by ESPN. However, it didn’t take long for the tackle to prove the doubters wrong and become a pivotal part of the offensive line.
He started all 17 games as a rookie and missed just one game in 2024. Wright’s work as a sophomore earned him a 79.3 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 16/140 tackles. He was dominant in the run game, as his 82.2 grade ranked seventh out of 140 tackles. Wright still has room to grow in pass protection, but overall, he has been everything the Bears were hoping for at No. 10.
Heading into training camp, there will be plenty of speculation about where Wright will play in 2025. With Braxton Jones still nursing his ankle injury, the idea of moving Wright to left tackle has now to come to forefront. That idea was only exacerbated by Chicago selecting Ozzy Trapilo, a natural right tackle, in the second-round.
Still, at least during OTAs, Wright remained on the right side. The Bears want to put their best five forward, but they know how strong the 23-year-old has been at the position.
Regardless of where he plays, Chicago knows they want Wright on their offensive line for the long haul. It was a key strength of the Detroit Lions during Johnson’s tenure as offensive coordinator. He understands that before the fireworks go off, there needs to be a foundation in place.
Signing Wright to an extension ensures the Bears find that foundation at one of their tackle spots and keep Williams upright in the pocket.
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