BREAKING NEWS: Bears Pull Off Stunning Trade for Chiefs' All-Pro Guard Joe Thuney

Bears Strike Blockbuster Deal to Acquire Chiefs’ All-Pro Guard Joe Thuney

The Chicago Bears wasted no time revamping their offensive line in Ben Johnson’s first season as offensive coordinator. Even before free agency officially begins, the team has made aggressive moves to strengthen the trenches.

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears are set to trade for Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro guard Joe Thuney in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. The deal, which cannot be finalized until the new league year begins on March 12, marks Chicago’s second major offensive line acquisition in just two days.

This move follows the Bears’ agreement to trade for Los Angeles Rams guard Jonah Jackson, completely overhauling the interior of their offensive line. With these additions, Chicago has significantly bolstered the protection in front of their expected franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams. If both linemen stay healthy, the Bears’ offense could see a major upgrade in both pass protection and run-blocking efficiency.

Thuney Brings Elite Talent and Experience

At 32 years old, Thuney remains one of the league’s top guards. His ability to anchor the pocket and create running lanes has made him an invaluable asset throughout his career. In 2024, the Chiefs experimented with moving him to left tackle due to struggles at the position. While he helped stabilize Patrick Mahomes’ blind side, it weakened Kansas City’s interior protection, leading to inconsistency up front.

Now, Thuney will return to his natural guard position in Chicago, where his presence should immediately improve the offensive line’s performance.

Cap Implications and Contract Outlook**

Thuney has one year remaining on his current contract, carrying a base salary of $15.5 million. By trading him, the Chiefs will free up $16 million in cap space, allowing them more financial flexibility heading into free agency.

For the Bears, the acquisition of Thuney not only strengthens their offensive line but also presents an opportunity for a potential contract extension. With Kansas City facing cap constraints, retaining Thuney long-term was unlikely, but Chicago could work out a new deal to keep the veteran guard as a key piece of their offensive core.

With Thuney and Jackson now in the fold, the Bears have rapidly transformed a key weakness into a potential strength. As they prepare for a new era under Johnson and a likely rookie quarterback, their commitment to improving the offensive line is already paying dividends.