The Chicago Bears have sent a clear message to the rest of the NFL: the trenches belong to the Midway. General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson have solidified the team's offensive foundation by securing right tackle Darnell Wright with a historic four-year, $116 million extension. The deal, which includes $93 million in guaranteed money, makes Wright the highest-paid right tackle in league history and sets a new benchmark for guaranteed compensation among all offensive linemen.
The "Wright" Foundation
Since being selected 10th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Wright has been a pillar of consistency. In 2025, he earned second-team All-Pro honors after anchoring a unit that helped the Bears rank third in the NFL in rushing. Perhaps most impressively, Wright played through a torn UCL last season, allowing only three sacks and 19 pressures across his starts. Coach Ben Johnson noted that Wright "epitomizes our culture in every way," highlighting the tackle's blend of durability and elite performance.
A Miraculous Recovery
While Wright’s extension provides long-term stability, the immediate boost to the roster comes from the unexpected return of Ozzy Trapilo. The second-year tackle, a 2025 second-round pick out of Boston College, suffered a severe patellar tendon injury during the team’s playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers in January. While initial recovery timelines suggested a mid-season return, Trapilo has defied the odds to rejoin the active roster just in time for the regular season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Looking Ahead to Carolina
The timing of these developments couldn't be better as the Bears prepare to kick off the season. With Wright locked in on the right and Trapilo returning to bolster the line, the Bears' offensive front is at full strength to protect the backfield. This stability is crucial for a team coming off an NFC North title and looking to build upon a season where they significantly reduced their sacks allowed from 68 in 2024 to just 24 in 2025. Fans at Soldier Field have every reason to be optimistic as the "Wright Tackle" stays home and the line regains its rising star.
