Chicago Bears worried about Darnell Wright distraction amid $25 million precedent

The Chicago Bears come into training camp after having a relatively quiet offseason, at least compared to the previous three years.

The Bears haven’t had too many contracts to worry about, though that is starting to change as the 2023 draft class and on have shown to have players worthy of contract extensions. Certainly in 2027, talk about the future of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze will grab headlines.

This summer, Chicago does have the opportunity to lock right tackle Darnell Wright down for the long term. The No. 10 pick in the 2023 draft is eligible for a new deal, and the 2025 second-team All-Pro could be looking at a deal near $25 million to keep him in the territory of right tackles Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles) and Brian O’Neal, who signed a four-year $96 million deal on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Bears general manager Ryan Poles told reporters he was open to giving Wright a contract extension during training camp, but was worried about a distraction breaking out amid negotiations.

“…At the end of the day I don’t want any distractions or anything like that, so when it’s time to go play football, we’ll go play football and keep it moving,” Poles said, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “But yeah, he’s a guy we would like here for a while.”

More News: Chicago Bears have surprise rookie turning heads at minicamp

The Chicago Bears should extend Darnell Wright’s contract

More News: Bears player expected to be breakout wide receiver of 2026

Of interest, the Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive tackle Jalen Carter to a four-year contract extension worth $152 million on Tuesday. The Eagles gave the Bears a fourth-round pick in exchange for the right to pick Carter with the No. 9 pick in the 2023 draft.

Chicago passed up on the opportunity to draft Carter and took Wright with the next pick. There’s a good chance both will receive a pay raise this offseason.

Wright has appeared and started in 49 games through his first three seasons. Per Pro Football Focus, Wright was graded as the No. 14 best offensive tackle in the league last season

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bears worried about Darnell Wright distraction amid $25 million precedent appeared first on ChiCitySports.