The Chicago Bears continue to make moves to strengthen their offensive line, securing another veteran presence just a day after trading for Jonah Jackson. On Wednesday morning, the Bears acquired four-time Super Bowl champion from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. This trade gives head coach Ben Johnson two experienced guards to help protect quarterback Caleb Williams, just ahead of the start of NFL free agency.
Joe Thuney, 32, has an impressive resume, including two first-team All-Pro selections. He has one year remaining on his contract at $16 million, and the Bears may consider extending his deal to secure his presence beyond 2025. The move comes shortly after Chicago traded a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for Jackson, who signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Rams in 2024 but was let go after just one season. Jackson is set to earn $17.5 million this season and $17 million in 2026, though the Bears have the flexibility to move on from his contract if needed.
While these additions provide much-needed stability, they are likely short-term solutions to a position that has long plagued the Bears. Both Thuney and Jackson bring leadership and experience, qualities the team has lacked in recent years. Jackson contributed to the Detroit Lions’ resurgence, while Thuney has spent nine seasons with winning franchises—the New England Patriots (2016-2020) and the Chiefs (2021-2024). Chicago has struggled to find proven winners in its locker room, making these acquisitions even more valuable.
For the Chiefs, moving Thuney frees up cap space, especially after they used the franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith. The Bears, however, must hope they haven’t been outmaneuvered by two of the NFL’s most well-run front offices in Kansas City and Los Angeles.
Durability is another key factor in these moves. Thuney has been a model of consistency, missing only two games since entering the league as a third-round pick out of NC State in 2016. Jackson, on the other hand, has battled injuries, missing 13 games last season due to a shoulder issue and a benching, as well as nine combined games in 2022 and 2023.
Ultimately, these trades improve Williams’ protection, giving him a stronger line than he had before. Thuney, in particular, appears to have more left in the tank than previous veteran linemen the Bears have signed, such as Orlando Pace and Jason Peters. However, Chicago will likely have to invest in Thuney’s future while still looking for long-term solutions through the draft.
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