Who is Bears’ projected 2026 MVP outside Caleb Williams?

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Who is Bears’ projected 2026 MVP outside Caleb Williams?

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 11:04 AM ET

Much of the attention on the Chicago Bears next season will likely focus on Caleb Williams. He is coming off a strong 2025 campaign, leading them to an NFC North title and reaching the Divisional Round. However, the franchise boasts a lot of talent in its roster, including Darnell Wright on the offensive line.

The right tackle is entering his fourth NFL season after Chicago selected him at No. 10 overall in 2023. He participated in 1,074 snaps last year and served as a steady force for the team. Wright will continue to heavily support the unit and protect Williams as he runs the plays.

The Bears exercised the fifth-year option on his contract in April following his second-team All-Pro selection in 2025. Wright allowed just three sacks and 19 pressures despite playing a huge chunk of the season with a torn UCL.

Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) after an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

Darnell Wright projected to be Bears’ non-QB MVP candidate

On Thursday, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra published the list of NFL teams’ non-QB MVP candidates. Wright is his pick for Chicago, and he cited his reasons for his selection.

“The 325-pounder has improved in each of his three seasons as both a road grader and pass protector,” Patra wrote. “He shined in Year 1 under Ben Johnson, generating a career-best 3.8 percent pressure rate allowed last year, per Pro Football Focus (a shade below first-team All-Pro Penei Sewell’s 3.3 percent figure).

“Wright has the tools to continue climbing the charts as one of the best blockers in the NFL. At the very least, the man should earn a Pro Bowl nod after being snubbed last season.”

The Bears are facing the league’s toughest schedule, including seven primetime games. The odds may be stacked against them to surpass their 2025 achievements, but Wright and Co. are up to the challenge.

It all starts in Week 1 on Sept. 13 when they face the Carolina Panthers on the road.

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This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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