Chicago Bears Bolster Offensive Line with Joe Thuney Trade, Strengthening Protection for Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears wasted no time in improving their offensive line under new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Even before free agency officially began, the team made significant moves to upgrade the interior line. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears have agreed to trade for Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro guard Joe Thuney in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

This deal, which will be finalized at the start of the new league year on March 12, follows another trade for Los Angeles Rams guard Jonah Jackson. These acquisitions signal Chicago’s commitment to providing better protection for quarterback Caleb Williams.

Joe Thuney Brings Experience and Stability

Thuney, a 32-year-old veteran, remains one of the top guards in the NFL. His ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes makes him a valuable addition to Chicago’s roster.

In 2024, the Chiefs experimented with moving Thuney to the left tackle to compensate for weaknesses at the position, which helped stabilize Patrick Mahomes’ blind side but left Kansas City’s interior line vulnerable. Now, as he joins the Bears, Thuney will be expected to reinforce the offensive line alongside Jackson, forming a formidable duo in the trenches.

Thuney has one year remaining on his current contract, with a base salary of $15.5 million. The trade allows the Chiefs to clear $16 million in salary cap space, a move that helps ease financial constraints, especially after franchise-tagging 25-year-old guard Trey Smith.

Meanwhile, the Bears could consider offering Thuney a contract extension, something Kansas City may have struggled to afford due to cap limitations. Chicago’s front office, led by Ryan Poles, opted to invest in proven talent via trades rather than relying on the thin free-agent market for offensive linemen.

Bears Maintain Flexibility While Chiefs Focus on Younger Offensive Line Talent

Despite these major acquisitions, the Bears still have significant cap space and three draft picks in the top 45 selections. This flexibility ensures they are not forced to reach for offensive linemen in the draft and can instead prioritize other areas of need.

While adding two veteran linemen carries some risks—especially considering one is aging and the other has dealt with injuries—Chicago has undoubtedly improved its offensive protection for Caleb Williams. The team remains in a strong position to make further moves as the offseason progresses.

For the Chiefs, parting ways with Thuney is a tough but necessary decision. By freeing up cap space, Kansas City can invest in younger talent and address other pressing needs. With Thuney gone, the team may consider moving 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia to guard after his struggles at left tackle as a rookie.

While the left tackle position remains a major question mark, the Chiefs have a proven track record of finding solutions. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm and a resourceful front office, Kansas City remains well-equipped to navigate this offseason challenge.