The Chicago Bears already look like a completely different team this offseason. It all started with the revamping of the offensive line, something Bears general manager Ryan Poles has received plenty of criticism for since he became the general manager three years ago.
They traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, while signing center Drew Dalman to bolster their interior offensive line. Dalman to the Bears was probably the worst-kept secret around the league, as he was linked to the Bears even before free agency began.
Fresh off the draft in which he and Ben Johnson's collaborative efforts netted tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive lineman Shemar Turner in the first two days, Poles joined the team's flagship radio station, ESPN 1000, on Thursday morning. And he offered plenty of interesting tidbits for Bears fans during the interview.
While many were more concerned about whether right tackle Darnell Wright was getting moved to play left tackle, as it was being rumored, he shot that rumor down during the interview, much to the relief of many Bears fans. Another topic of interest that was asked was the latest on a possible contract extension for Thuney, who can be a free agent after this season.
Ryan Poles still have some unfinished business left in the off-season
The Bears must sign Thuney as quickly as possible if they want to know how much money they will have left over for a potential running back addition. Not to mention, for Caleb Williams, it would mean each member of his starting offensive line is under contract beyond the 2025 season. Guards are starting to get expensive as their annual salary is $20 million or above now. Thuney is 32, so the Bears might be looking at a maximum 3-year extension between $16-20 million annually.
The Bears' salary cap also needs to be freed up to work out a new deal for Thuney. That means someone could get cut or have their contract re-worked. Those are fascinating stories that will surely follow as Thuney's extension talk heats up.