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Right tackle Darnell Wright has become a staple on the Chicago Bears’ offensive line. However, he’ll have fierce competition for highest-paid player at the position.
Wright is set to be a free agent after the 2027 season and is set to sign a lucrative contract. But when the final numbers come in, Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes Joe Alt of the Los Angeles Chargers will receive a higher figure.
“The best tackle from the class of 2023, which just became eligible for extensions this offseason, is Darnell Wright. The Bears right tackle had a career year in 2025, and with so many of Chicago’s playmakers on rookie deals, general manager Ryan Poles can afford to pay his right tackle top-of-the-market money,” Barnell wrote. “With Wright limited to right tackle, though, the Bears probably see that somewhere around $25 million per season.”
“Wright is a very good player and deserves to be paid, but Alt might be a different caliber of tackle and get paid accordingly,” he concluded.
The difference between Wright and Alt, in Barnell’s eyes, is the fact that the Chargers tackle has played on the left and right side. Wright has been Chicago’s right tackle since his arrival in 2023. Because of that versatility and dominance on both sides, Alt just edges out Wright.
Still, the Bears tackle should still expect to receive a premium bag. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2025 as his 81.4 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 14/89 tackles. Wright excelled in the run game, as his 85.6 run blocking grade ranked sixth.
Entering 2026, the Bears need Wright to continue opening up rushing lanes while keeping quarterback Caleb Williams upright in the pocket. If he does that, he won’t have many concerns about how expensive his extension will be.
The post Bears rumors: Will Darnell Wright set tackle market? Why ESPN insider points to Joe Alt instead appeared first on ClutchPoints.
