Episode Details

The Chicago Bears are entering 2026 with real playoff expectations — and while Caleb Williams is the face of the franchise, the Bears’ non-QB MVP might be right tackle Darnell Wright.

On today’s episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down why Wright has become one of the most important players on the roster after earning second-team All-Pro honors and helping power one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. With Darnell Wright entering the final year of his rookie deal, could a massive contract extension be coming soon?

Haize also dives into the three things the Bears must get right to get over the playoff hump: eliminating slow starts, stabilizing the left tackle position, and raising the standard from simply making the playoffs to reaching the NFC Championship Game. After winning the NFC North, beating the Packers in the Wild Card Round and falling short against the Rams, the Bears are no longer just trying to be good — they are trying to become championship-caliber.

Plus, Joe Thuney lands at No. 49 in the NFL Top 100 after another First-Team All-Pro season, proving the Bears’ offensive line is finally getting national respect. Haize breaks down what Thuney’s presence means for Caleb Williams, the run game and the overall identity of Ben Johnson’s offense.

Finally, we look at the Bears’ roster bubble heading into training camp, including Miller Moss, Roschon Johnson, Coleman Bennett, Scotty Miller, Kiran Amegadjie, Caden Barnett, Noah Sewell, Keyshaun Elliott, Skyler Thomas and more.

Topics include: Chicago Bears, Darnell Wright, Caleb Williams, Joe Thuney, Bears offensive line, Bears playoff expectations, Bears training camp, Bears roster bubble, Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr., Ben Johnson offense, NFC North, Chicago Bears Central.

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