Even if the Joe Thuney era in Chicago only lasts a single season, the Bears got a nice deal when they dealt the Kansas City Chiefs a mid-round asset to acquire him. But now it sounds as if they're ready to lean on Thuney's talents for as long as he's willing with reports of a likely contract extension.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles spoke with the media on Tuesday before the 2025 NFL Draft got underway to discuss a number of important topics, one of which was the trade for Thuney. When asked about potentially extending Thuney's contract, which is up after this season, Poles replied, "That's definitely one of the priorities moving forward."
The Bears surrendered a 2026 fourth-round draft pick to the Chiefs for the chance to import Thuney into their offensive interior before the new league year began. The move was an immediate and important upgrade to the Bears' o-line in front of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, and his championship experience and leadership should be pivotal going forward.
Thuney has been named an All-Pro lineman for each of the last two seasons, and he's arguably the best pass-blocking guard in football. His loss was significant for the Chiefs, even as they felt they had to trade him in order to free the team financially to retain a younger option in Trey Smith instead.
Even though Thuney will turn 33 years old this season, his reps have every reason to ask for top-of-the-market prices in any new contract. Top guards are getting over $20 million annually these days, which is what the Bears will likely have to pay Thuney for any forthcoming agreement. The Chiefs will also have to top that amount in future negotiations with Smith.
Poles' deal for Thuney was already one of the savviest moves of the NFL offseason, but if he can get Thuney to buy into staying in the Windy City for the rest of his career, it could go down as a high point of Poles' tenure in Chicago.