Chicago Bears Offseason Changes
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the 2025 season, feeling poised to compete right away. They recently brought in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to maintain the defensive framework and added several offensive players around quarterback Caleb Williams under new head coach Ben Johnson.
One key move was the trade for guard Joe Thuney. The Bears exchanged a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft with the Chiefs to acquire him. This deal gives Kansas City a chance to revamp their offensive line while allowing the Bears to benefit from experienced veterans. On Tuesday, Thuney was rewarded with a two-year contract extension worth $35 million, which translates to about $17.5 million annually. While it’s not a groundbreaking deal—especially compared to the $19 million yearly contract for Packers guard Aaron Banks—Thuney’s contract places him among the top-tier left guards in the NFL.
If the Bears’ plan is to evaluate Caleb Williams in 2025, acquiring and extending Thuney is a positive step toward achieving that. ESPN has noted his impressive performance, ranking him first among interior offensive linemen for pass-block victory percentage in 2024, showcasing a solid ability to minimize pressures on quarterbacks like Dallas’ Tyler Smith. Last season, Williams faced numerous sacks, largely due to a lack of support from his previous line. Thuney’s presence should enhance the offensive line’s stability, improving communication and pass protection. It’s worth mentioning that the Bears ranked in the top 10 for run-block win percentage, suggesting Thuney will add immediate value.
This extension appears to bring stability to the Bears’ offensive front moving forward. While Thuney is entering his 32nd year and might be on a slight decline, he remains one of the league’s premier guards. There’s always some risk associated with extending a player his age, but his effectiveness last season with the Chiefs mitigates some of that risk. The Bears can’t afford to let Williams struggle behind another unreliable offensive line; each hit he takes could set back his development. Thuney’s addition should help secure that front line quickly.
