The Chicago Bears will begin OTAs with three of their five projected starting offensive linemen under contract for multiple seasons, with Joe Thuney the latest to join that distinct group, agreeing to a two-year deal, per his agent, Mike McCartney, who congratulated his client on May 20.
Chicago acquired Thuney in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs during the offseason, and the questions immediately began about his future on an expiring contract.
Instead, Thuney and the Bears got their off-field business squared away early.
Bears Sign LG Joe Thuney to 2-Year Contract Extension
Joe Thuney Gets $51M in Guaranteed Money in New Bears Deal
“The #Bears and newly acquired standout G Joe Thuney have agreed to terms on a 2-year extension to keep him in Chicago past 2025, per agent @MikeMcCartney7,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on May 20.
“For the #Bears and Joe Thuney, it’s a 2-year deal worth $17.5M per year. He’ll make $51M for the next 3 years with $33.5M fully guaranteed at signing.”
Thuney is arguably the best guard in football, and certainly among the most accomplished.
He is a four-time Super Bowl champion, winning with the two recent NFL dynasties in the Chiefs and the New England Patriots. He is also a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro.
Thuney was asked about extending when he was introduced, and left the door open for a deal to get done.
The two sides have now done that and can focus on the football.
Notably, Thuney’s deal expires with fellow offseason acquisitions Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson. The 2027 season could also see 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright on his fifth-year option.
The only projected 2024 Bears starter without a contract (or option to trigger) is left tackle Braxton Jones, who is rehabbing from ankle surgery that will cost him time this summer.
2024 second-rounder Ozzy Trapilo has worked at left tackle in rookie minicamp.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles said they want to settle the front five long before the season starts. Dalman, Jackson, who also signed an extension after his trade from the Los Angeles Rams, and Thuney are as secure as it gets.
Wright has been the Bears’ best lineman over his first two seasons, leaving Jones facing similar uncertainty as former teammate Teven Jenkins entering 2024.
The Bears let Jenkins walk in free agency this year. He signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Joe Thuney Praised for Financial Gains
Thuney was a third-round pick by the Patriots in 2016. He has missed just two games in his career, during the 2022 season while with the Chiefs.
Thuney was still a Pro Bowler that year, and his latest windfall drew praise.
“If Joe Thuney sees this deal through, he’ll have made approximately $130 million over eight years—from the time the Patriots tagged him in 2020 through 2027—from three teams,” Breer posted. “Pretty good for one of the NFL’s real ironmen.”
The Bears need him to continue his career arc, and they appear to finally be leaning into acquiring proven talent to bust their negative narrative.
Whether or not they were correct in their planning will be determined, starting in September.