Chiefs Kingdom was taken aback by the surprising news on Wednesday that Kansas City had decided to deal Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a 2026 fourth-round selection. The reactions were strong on social media and the widespread feelings were the same on multiple levels—shock at the news of the trade and love for what Thuney brought to Arrowhead for the last four seasons.
The Chiefs decided to trade Thuney this offseason in an attempt to get younger while staying flexible financially along the offensive line. The Chiefs already committed big money to Creed Humphrey at center for the long-term and made the decision to tag Trey Smith as well this spring. The team is reportedly trying to get an extension done with Smith this year, which means the team simply could not afford to have three big-money players inside (not to mention the $20 million in average annual value due Jawaan Taylor).
A shakeup was expected along the offensive front to some degree, but all attention was primarily on the void at left tackle, which Thuney helped to fill in 2024, along with the uncertainty of Smith's status. Now that reordering has been taken to another level entirely with the trade of Thuney.
Plenty of former Kansas City Chiefs linemen were among those showing not only shock at the initial news but stating their incredible respect and admiration for Thuney's body of work and contributions to the team's success over the last few seasons.
Joe Thuney deserves all the praise for his work as Chief. Brought leadership, work ethic and toughness to this OL. Mentored both Creed and Trey. Switched to LT when needed and battled each Sunday. Just a true professional
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 5, 2025
Kyle Long could speak from both sides of the deal as a former member of the Bears and Chiefs.
Fans will love Joe Thuney.
— kyle (@Ky1eLong) March 5, 2025
Former Chiefs right tackle Mitchell Schwartz stated his preference about Thuney's potential replacement, a concern shared by most of Chiefs Kingdom.
Can’t say I saw that move coming! I’d still try to play Kingsley at LT but I prefer keeping him at LG over having to move him to RG (in the alternate world where Thuney stayed and Trey went). What are your reactions to the trade?
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) March 5, 2025
Fans for the Bears were ecstatic on social media, while Chiefs fans were (mostly) either confused or sad or both. At the very least, Thuney should feel well-loved as he scrolls his phone in the aftermath.
Joe Thuney for Ring Of Honor pic.twitter.com/qFIQg5PsPo
— El_Travador (@El_Travador) March 5, 2025
Joe Thuney has been one of my favorite Chiefs from the moment he got to KC. Always a hard worker. Maybe the most selfless player on our team. I know he’s older, & I understand it from the money perspective. But I don’t know what we’re getting from Kingsley at guard. Thuney is a… pic.twitter.com/erdFOIySVf
— Lexi (@lexiosborne) March 5, 2025
Peter Schrager summed it all up best with his response on social media.
Joe Thuney was arguably the most valuable player on the 2024 Chiefs. And a beloved teammate and leader. If this is it, quite a run for an all-time KC player. pic.twitter.com/hb744nj0IM
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 5, 2025