Bears Trade To Bolster Offensive Line With Joe Thuney Trade via Chiefs

The Chicago Bears have made a significant upgrade to their offensive line with the recent Joe Thuney trade. Trading for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Joe Thuney, an All-Pro guard, Chicago gives up a fourth-round pick in 2026. This is the second major addition to their offensive line in just two days, following the acquisition of Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams.

This trade shows the Bears' commitment to improving protection for quarterback Caleb Williams, especially after he faced heavy pressure last season due to a weak offensive line. Thuney, a four-time Super Bowl champion, brings top-notch pass-blocking skills and leadership to a Chicago team that needs stability.

On the other hand, the Chiefs are making a strategic financial decision with the Joe Thuney trade, considering there’s a $16 million Joe Thuney cap hit for 2025. With the franchise tag placed on 25-year-old guard Trey Smith, Kansas City is focusing on a younger and more cost-effective offensive line.

Chiefs Trade Joe Thuney: OL Traded To Bears

The Bears' front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, is actively addressing their pressing needs. While this Joe Thuney trade involves financial implications, his addition could greatly benefit Caleb Williams' growth.

Meanwhile, the choice for the Chiefs to trade Joe Thuney indicates their goal to refresh their offensive line while managing their salary cap. Although losing a player like Thuney is tough, Kansas City's successful roster-building history suggests they have a plan to replace him.

For the Bears, this trade reflects a strong commitment to creating a competitive offensive line. With NFL free agency and the draft still to come, Chicago may continue to make moves, but they have already made significant progress toward a stronger unit in 2025.

How Old Is Joe Thuney?

He’s certainly a veteran, but exactly how old is Joe Thuney? Thuney is 32 years old, born on November 18, 1992.

Even at this age, he is still among the best guards in the league, as shown by his consecutive first-team All-Pro honors in 2022 and 2023. His experience and reliability are crucial for a Bears offensive line that has struggled to find stability in recent years.

Joe Thuney Stats, Salary, Contract & Cap Hit

Thuney has had a remarkable career since the New England Patriots selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, displaying some of the most impressive statistics of all NFL offensive lineman.

Throughout his nine seasons in the NFL, he has started all 146 games, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro awards. In 2024, the most notable of all Joe Thuney stats is that he didn’t give up a single sack over 1,115 offensive snaps, placing him first among 135 guards in that statistic.

Currently, Thuney is in the last year of a five-year, $80 million contract he signed with the Chiefs in 2021. Regarding the 2025 Joe Thuney salary, it includes a $15.5 million base and a $500,000 workout bonus. The number associated with the 2025 Joe Thuney cap hit is $16 million.

The Bears might consider restructuring or extending his contract to gain more cap space in the future.

Chicago Bears Depth Chart: Bears OL

The Bears offensive line depth chart is changing a lot with the Joe Thuney trade, and that’s not even mentioning the fact that Jackson joined the team. Here’s the updated Bears depth chart:

It appears as if the Beras left guard spot is now filled with this Joe Thuney trade, while Jackson strengthens the right side. This upgrade greatly enhances the team's interior protection. 

Together, these experienced players should help provide better passing lanes and boost the run game, which struggled in 2024.