Bears Extend Franchise RT Darnell Wright, Where Does That Leave Their Other Expiring Contracts?

The Chicago Bears sit at 2-2 after their first four games of their second season under Ben Johnson. They've led by 10+ points in every fourth quarter, but suffered two improbable heartbreakers despite their improved offensive efficiency and defensive production.

To rally the players and maybe act as a spark plug, the Chicago front office gave Darnell Wright a huge payday to celebrate. He was one of nine Bears on expiring contracts, but will now stay with Caleb Williams long-term. Among the excitement in the locker room, eight players were wondering about their futures as well. This is an outlook on everyone who wasn't under contract for the 2027-2028 PML season when the Chicago Bears kicked off their opener.

RT Darnell Wright

Previous Contract: 4 Yrs, 3.83M Salary, 17.13M Bonus

He was only being paid 5M a year, even as a former tenth overall pick, and was still playing like a top ten tackle in terms of production.

Outlook

He was just extended to a 4-year extension costing roughly 54M in salary and 51M in bonus over those four more years. That’s an average cost per season of around 26M. The Chicago Bears believe in Wright as their cornerstone tackle, and they don’t care who knows it. 

DT Gervon Dexter Sr

Previous Contract: 4 Yrs, 4.6M Salary, 2M Bonus

He has been eating as a former second-round pick. The Bears love their homegrown talent, and he has shone in their scheme, despite struggles.

Outlook

He may end up commanding a contract extension with an average of more than 30 million per year, but Ben Johnson will do whatever it takes to keep him in Chicago. He’ll get that tag to extend negotiations a year if necessary. 

CB Tyrique Stevenson

Previous Contract: 4 Yrs, 4.51M Salary, 2M Bonus

Another player that the Bears drafted themselves in the second round, so he’s been nice and cheap despite playing 100% of snaps. He’s even a superstar.

Outlook

He isn’t that young or fast or good, but I love his physicality, and even if he loses superstar, he plays well at safety. I would have let him walk for his low change of direction, if it weren’t for a relatively cheap contract he’s asking for. He also has a high interest, so it’s likely he’ll remain in a Bears uniform all cycle.

HB Nick Chubb

Previous Contract: 1 Yr, 2.15M Salary, 0 Bonus

He was scooped up after the Texans let him go at the beginning of the regular season because of their elite running back room, but after just four carries for 18 yards, he went down with a season-ending injury.

Outlook

If he wasn’t washed yet, he’s bound to be unplayable after another year of regression and a major injury. There’s no chance he stays in Chicago to mentor. 

HB D’Andre Swift

Previous Contract: 3 Yrs, 7.69M Salary, 16.27M Bonus

He absolutely finessed the Bears into almost 8M a year as a bottom ten starting running back in the league. He was able to hit 1000 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns last season.

Outlook

Props to Swift for proving his worth enough to collect all of the money on this bloated contract, but his production has taken a nosedive after he went from the lead back last season to splitting carries with two other backs now. He’ll need a new home as he gets up there in age for a runner. 

WILL Justin Strnad

Previous Contract: 1 Yr, 1.65M Salary, 0 Bonus

Chicago thought their linebacker room needed more speed and experience, and grabbed Strnad for their preseason roster after the draft. However, his leadership and athleticism have earned him a roster spot and playing time on special teams. 

Outlook

The Bears are known to give good special teamers a one or two-year extension, but Strnad could fall off of a cliff, so he will hit the open market before he has a chance of hearing from Chicago’s front office. 

CB Terell Smith

Previous Contract: 4 Yrs, 3.83M Salary, 280k Bonus

He’s a former Bears’ late-round pick who hasn’t quite panned out, but has been solid enough to get through all four years of his rookie contract and stay on the field as a special teamer thanks to his speed and size. 

Outlook

He’s unlikely to be back next season with all of the cheap defensive back talent that Chicago has built up for at least one more season. Especially after the Bears drafted a second safety, he knew he’d be playing as an audition to other teams for all of the 2026-2027 campaign.

HB Tyrion Davis-Price

Previous Contract: 1 Yr, 1.25M Salary, 0 Bonus

He’s had quite the ride in his relationship with the Bears. He was given a small deal before the draft to compete for a spot on the active roster, and he won his role in the preseason. Then, Nick Chubb became available, and he was kicked to the curb, but before he could even leave Chicago, he was needed again and signed back.

Outlook

The Bears clearly think he provides something of value, or at least is familiar with their scheme. However, it would be extremely wishful thinking to say he’s a Bear next season if they are willing to ditch him that fast. 

REDGE Quinton Bell

Previous Contract: 1 Yr, 1.3M Salary, 0 Bonus

He was brought in on a vet minimum contract during the last days of free agency to be a mentor to Shemar Turner and other young edges on the roster. Even in his old age, his fast first step and experience were enough for him to stick around and teach on this one-year stint.

Outlook

He could maybe end up back in Chicago at the end of another offseason, but the Bears won’t be jumping to waste their money on players they know won’t see the field, even if they serve a purpose. Priorities.