The Chicago Bears have spent all offseason making plenty of bold moves. But their latest decision has everyone on the same page.
The Bears have signed guard Joe Thuney to a two-year contract extension, via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. After acquiring him in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago wanted to ensure Thuney didn’t leave the Windy City anytime soon. Now, the guard will be a crucial part of Caleb Williams’ blocking scheme for the foreseeable future.
Chicago has certainly gotten some flack for some of their offseason moves. However, their Thuney extension wasn’t one of them. Fans and pundits have been raving on social media ever since the deal was announced.
Well done Ryan Poles!!! 👏👏👏 #bears https://t.co/KVjgCHJOmd
— The Man About Tech (@Vyyyper) May 20, 2025
Ryan Poles 2025 offseason masterclass continues. #Bears Super Bowl window officially open. https://t.co/WbQE1Ag5tN
— Luke Brost (@luke_brost) May 20, 2025
That’s a fantastic deal.
Not a knock on Jonah Jackson but very similar money/structure for a considerably better player. #Bears https://t.co/DUpOSsGY0g
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) May 20, 2025
Great price tag for the #Bears here. I thought he’d come in a little more expensive than that. https://t.co/5ZMk92Da4M
— Adam Sager (@AdamGSager) May 20, 2025
If Joe Thuney keeps up his All-Pro level of play, this is incredible value for the #Bears.
Thuney will be the 10th-highest paid guard in the NFL on this contract. https://t.co/hlpM54bH21
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 20, 2025
Interior of the offensive line is secured for the next three years. This is a big move for the Bears and for Caleb Williams.
We could potentially see all 3 Interior lineman make the Pro-bowl this year!
How things are changing for the #Bears 📈
LFG!!!! #BearDown https://t.co/zwwh9iXZ3H
— Kapgunzz (@kapgunzz) May 20, 2025
Joe Thuney’s arrival completely changes Chicago Bears
It’s not surprising to see the universal praise being thrown their way. After allowing a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, improving the offensive line was arguably Chicago’s biggest offseason priority. Adding a player of Thuney’s caliber proved the Bears were serious about keeping Williams upright in the pocket.
The guard is coming off of three-straight Pro Bowl appearances and back-to-back All-Pro nominations. During the 2024 campaign, Thuney earned a 79.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 12/136. He was immaculate in pass protection, ranking fifth with his 82 grade.
Alongside his work on the field, Thuney is also a four-time Super Bowl champion. He understands what it takes to climb to the NFL’s mountaintop. Head coach Ben Johnson’s arrival has brought plenty of hype as has Williams’ potential breakout. However, it’s important to note that Johnson is still a first-year head coach while Williams is just a sophomore. Having a person like Thuney to lean on will be crucial for both and the entire organization as they manage the ebbs and flows of an NFL season.
While having the guard for the 2025 campaign brought plenty of excitement in its own right, his extension completes the Bears’ interior offensive rebuild. Center Drew Dalman was signed to a three-year, $42 million contract in free agency. After being acquiring in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams, fellow guard Jonah Jackson agreed to an extension through the 2027 season.
All three must prove they’re the perfect fit on the inside. But now they have time to develop and grow together. Barring unfortunate injuries, Chicago will not have to scramble to figure out the interior of their offensive line anymore. With Thuney leading the pack, the Bears have turned one of their biggest weaknesses to one of the team’s strengths.
The guard has been at the top of the NFL playing with the Chiefs, and he is expecting the Bears to be competing sooner rather than later. But in signing an extension, Thuney believes in what the team is building and thinks Chicago’s arrow is only pointing up entering the Johnson era.
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