The Chicago Bears traded for Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson, who has ties to new head coach Ben Johnson from their shared time together with the Detroit Lions, from the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday. On Wednesday, they were right back at it.
The Bears agreed to acquire former New England Patriots guard, Joe Thuney, from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bears Acquire All-Pro G Joe Thuney in Trade With Chiefs
Joe Thuney to Bears in Trade With Chiefs
“Trade is official!” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on March 5. “The Chiefs are trading Joe Thuney to the Bears in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, sources tell @ByNateTaylor and me.”
There is a discrepancy about the compensation, with some reports claiming a fourth-rounder.
That is a big difference. Regardless, this situation developed quickly and will see a resolution at a similar pace. Russini was first on the news, while fellow insiders joined the fray soon after. In the end, the Bears trade for one of the top offensive linemen who is due for another big payday.
Trade Rumors Advanced Quickly
“Sources: The #Bears are expected to trade for #Chiefs All-Pro G Joe Thuney, as the Chicago continues to load up on the offensive line,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on March 5. “While the #Bears beef up the OL and protect Caleb Williams, the #Chiefs move on from a great player about to get a third contract. Similar to the Tyreek Hill situation.
“The deal is being finalized as we speak, but sources say it’s centered around a future 4th round pick.”
Russini first reported the movement on the deal.
“The Kansas City Chiefs are engaged in trade discussions surrounding 4x Super Bowl champion Joe Thuney, per sources,” Russini reported on X on March 5. “Chicago is one of the teams interested in the 2x All-Pro.
“The Chicago Bears have made an offer. Still some details to work out, but it’s trending in this direction.”
Rapoport called the deal “expected.” It cannot be completed until March 12.
“Sources: The #Bears are expected to trade for #Chiefs All-Pro G Joe Thuney, as the Chicago continues to load up on the offensive line,” Rapoport reported on X on March 5. “While the #Bears beef up the OL and protect Caleb Williams, the #Chiefs move on from a great player about to get a third contract. Similar to the Tyreek Hill situation.”
The 32-year-old lineman is heading into the final season of a five-year, $80 million contract that he signed in 2021.
He has earned $83.2 million in his career.
Thuney has missed two games in his career.
He has started all 146 other opportunities in his career – which includes three Pro Bowls, two All-Pro selections, and four Super Bowls – two with the Patriots and two with the Chiefs – and slid out to left tackle with success in 2024.
Bears Moves All But Signal Changing of Guard
The changing of the guard is a phrase that typically applies in other aspects of life, but it appears to be literal for the Bears.
Johnson commented on the need to upgrade the offensive line during his introductory press conference, and the Bears have followed through with trades for two proven commodities at the position.
It is a noted shift from the bargain avenues they explored in years past.
However, it also appears to signal the end of former second-round pick Teven Jenkins’ time with the Bears. It could also mean Matt Pryor’s stint ends after one year.
Williams was sacked a league-leading 68 times in 2024. While some of that was admittedly self-inflicted, the offensive line was a clear and obvious issue to anyone looking beyond the stat sheet and watching games.
Now, they appear to have settled four of five positions. Center remains a question mark.
They drafted right tackle Darnell Wright at No. 10 overall in 2024. Left tackle Braxton Jones is not great and could certainly be upgraded, but he has proven serviceable. This pending trade for Thuney checks a significant box for the Bears.
