The Chicago Bears’ turnaround in 2025 has largely (and, perhaps, appropriately) been attributed to the arrival of quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson. But neither would be in place without Bears general manager Ryan Poles.
Moreover, Poles took a roster that was bereft of talent when he took over and remade it into one rife with the kind of players who evoke high expectations.
One of those moves drew some additional attention from Williams on Friday.
Caleb Williams Shares Bears Trade Hype
Bears’ Caleb Williams Enjoying Benefit of Trade
Pro Football Network shared a graphic on X on Friday, noting that Bears left guard Joe Thuney, who was part of a revamped offensive line in front of Williams in 2025 and even kicked out to left tackle in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, was the highest-rated interior lineman last season.
PFN’s Jacob Infante quoted the post, adding “and the #Bears got him for a 4th-round pick. Masterclass by Ryan Poles.”
Williams shared Infante’s message.
Thuney, who turns 34 in November, began his career as a third-round pick, taken 78th overall by the New England Patriots. After five years and two Super Bowls in New England, Thuney played four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. There, he won two more titles.
Poles was in Kansas City for Thuney’s first season. It was the Bears GM’s final campaign with the Chiefs before taking over in Chicago.
Williams can only hope Poles’ other moves work out as well moving forward.
Joe Thuney More Vital Than Ever in Chicago
Thuney is a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro, and he is as steady as they come. That is good for the Bears and, more specifically, Williams. He must adjust to a new center and uncertainty at left tackle.
The Bears acquired Garrett Bradbury in a trade with the New England Patriots fresh off their Super Bowl run to replace Pro Bowler Drew Dalman, who retired. They also drafted Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Former starter Braxton Jones appears poised to reclaim the job amid Ozzy Trapilo’s injury.
That is still far more changes than a team coming off such a successful season wants to endure, particularly one whose resurgence was certainly largely keyed by their improvements along the offensive line.
Thuney stands as the only stable part of the Bears’ plan to protect Williams’ blindside. It is a tall task, but he has proven they would be hard-pressed to address it with a better option.
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