Former Tennessee Vols standout tabbed as top candidate to receive a contract extension from his team

The goal for every player drafted or signed in the NFL is two-fold: 1) win; 2) get paid.  One national outlet believes the time could be coming for at least the second part for one former Tennessee Vols standout. 

CBS Sports NFL writer Tyler Sullivan put out a list of the most likely extension candidate for each NFL team, and Darnell Wright was his choice for the Chicago Bears. 

CBS Sports lists former Tennessee OT Darnell Wright as most likely to receive a contract extension from the Chicago Bears.

This is what Sullivan had to say about a potential extension for Wright: 

Wright will be extension eligible next offseason and is currently under contract through the 2027 season with the fifth-year option. 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. While Wright can improve as a pass blocker, he graded as the seventh-best tackle in run blocking. Overall, PFF grades Wright as the N 16 tackle. - Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports

Wright is someone the Bears invested in significantly in both draft capital and dollars.  Chicago selected Wright in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 10th overall pick, thereafter signing him to a 4-year, $20,978,267 million deal.

After a rookie season that was a mixed bag (62.4 Pro Football Focus offensive grade), Wright had a significantly better showing in his sophomore campaign in 2024.  He posted a PFF offensive grade of 79.3 with a 75.4 pass blocking grade and an excellent 82.2 run blocking mark.  

It's worth noting that, while Sullivan mentioned Wright's pass blocking, Wright only had one more pressure allowed (30) in 662 pass rushing snaps than Lions All-Pro RT Penei Sewell had in 664 (29) in 2024, per PFF.  However, Wright allowed 6 sacks to Sewell's one. 

The Bears can elect to pick up Wright's fifth-year rookie option next year, so - if they want - he's locked into their roster through the next three seasons.  However, waiting too long on an extension can drive the price up for the team on a player, so sometimes it makes sense to get a deal done sooner than later. 

Because currently, Wright's arrow - and potential price tag - is pointing up entering year three in Chicago.