In a move that underscores the Chicago Bears’ commitment to fortifying their offensive line, the team has locked in two-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney with a two-year contract extension, as confirmed by agent Mike McCartney. The financial terms reveal a significant investment, with Thuney set to earn $17.5 million per season. This new deal restructures his contract into a three-year agreement worth a total of $51 million, featuring an impressive $33.5 million guaranteed at signing.
Thuney’s journey to Chicago began with a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs in March, where he was acquired for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. He was originally concluding a five-year, $80 million contract with the Chiefs that he signed as a free agent back in 2021. Bears general manager Ryan Poles had made it clear that an extension for Thuney was high on the offseason agenda, and this latest deal not only reflects that priority but also aims to ensure stability along the Bears’ interior offensive line moving forward. With Thuney’s addition, alongside center Drew Dalman and guard Jonah Jackson, the Bears now have a trio locked in through at least the 2027 season.
During his tenure with the Chiefs, Thuney was part of a formidable interior line that maintained continuity, playing a vital role in 85% of the offensive snaps over the past four seasons. This included his contribution to an impressive tally of 159 offensive touchdowns since 2021. His impact didn’t go unnoticed; last season, Thuney was voted by his peers as the Chiefs’ MVP and received the Derrick Thomas Award for his selfless play, notably when he shifted to left tackle at the season’s end to protect the blind side of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes during their run to Super Bowl LIX.
Over his nine-season NFL career, spanning time with both the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, Thuney has displayed remarkable durability, having missed only two games while starting in 146. In 2024, he logged 895 snaps at left guard before transitioning to left tackle for 217 snaps, where he notably solidified his defensive line’s performance during crunch time.
His credentials speak volumes—Thuney boasts the highest pass block win rate in the league at 97.8% over the past two seasons. This consistent excellence has earned him back-to-back first-team All-Pro selections, and he was also named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl in 2024.
As Thuney continues his career with the Bears, fans can expect not only a reliable presence on the line but also a seasoned veteran who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. His experience and skill set may very well be pivotal for the Bears as they look to turn the tide and establish a formidable offensive identity.
