The Chicago Bears' offseason was busy from rebuilding the coaching staff to adding new talent to the roster. One of those additions not only will help the offensive line, but proves to the NFL that teams don't always need to lean on young talent.
Chicago made a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason to acquire offensive guard Joe Thuney for a 2026 fourth-round pick. The move was made to help the Bears rebuild their offensive line, which had allowed 68 sacks the previous season. Despite being 32 years old, Thuney has shown to still able to play at a high level.
Pro Football Focus writer Ryan Smith also backed that up with his latest article, looking at 10 veteran NFL players who are near the end of their careers, but can still play at a high level. Thuney was part of the list, with his ability still one of the best among the league's linemen.
"Thuney has been a model of consistency over his career, grading no lower than 74.2 overall since 2017. Although his grade last year (80.0) fell short of his career-best mark (81.2) in 2021, it’s important to point out that he was playing out of position at times. Thuney started at left tackle from Week 15 on through the Super Bowl, with 30.2% of his snaps for the season coming there.
The four-time All-Pro was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Chicago Bears back in March and was rewarded with a two-year extension worth $17.5 million per season, making his new three-year contract worth $51 million ($33.5 million guaranteed). Thuney will be a big part of a revamped Bears offensive line under new head coach Ben Johnson in 2025."
Thuney is showing that he is getting better with age
The New England Patriots selected Thuney in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft and was an immediate starter on the team. In his first five seasons with the Patriots, he never missed a start, earned a second-team All-Pro in 2019, and won two Super Bowls with them.
Thuney would join the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 and once again helped the team win two Super Bowl with three appearances in the big game. His individual performances though is what caught the attention of everyone as he added three consecutive Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections from 2022 through 2024.
Chicago brought in one of the best pass protectors in the NFL and someone who can help give a boost to the running game. This will help Bears quarterback Caleb Williams receive the protection he needs as he progresses through his development.
One other aspect that makes Thuney an excellent fit for the Bears is that he's a winner. Four Super Bowl titles and six appearances in the final game demonstrate that he knows what it's like to be part of a winning culture, which Chicago desperately needs after four straight years of no playoff appearances.
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After some of the injuries on the Bears' line last year, including losing Braxton Jones, Thuney has only missed two games in nine seasons, which is impressive for an offensive lineman. Having that consistency and reliability is something Chicago needs.
Thuney gives the Bears everything they need and more to help the team get through this transitional year.