When the Chicago Bears entered this offseason with the league's third-most cap space, fans were prepared to watch general manager Ryan Poles (hopefully) spend big in free agency.
There were going to be some solid offensive linemen to be had on the open market, or so we thought.
Once Trey Smith was tagged, though, that took a top option off the board for Chicago. As it turns out, Poles had a backup plan already in place.
Even before free agency began, Poles started making moves to help improve the team's weakest link. First, the Bears dealt a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams to acquire interior offensive lineman Jonah Jackson.
That took care of one starting spot. Then, the Bears went out and made a splash move by trading for Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney, a two-time All Pro and four-time Super Bowl champion. In taking on their contracts, fans might be worried about the Bears' cap situation going forward.
How much cap space do the Bears have after trading for Joe Thuney?
After the Thuney trade, the Bears still have $50.3 million in cap space to work with. Before the two trades, Chicago was estimated to have around $71 million per Over the Cap.
Essentially, the Bears could have gone out and spent that money on a player like Smith if they wanted to. Instead, they spent a 2026 fourth rounder (Thuney) and a fifth-round pick this year (Jackson) to solidify two starting spots up front.
Knowing good and well that $50 million is still more than enough to go out and potentially sign someone to fill the starting center role along with maybe a prolific pass rusher, among other pieces, Poles didn't hesitate making things happen even before free agency opened up.
This is the most aggressive we've seen Poles in the offensive line department since coming to Chicago, and it's a great sign for things to come.
Ben Johnson's fingerprints are all over these moves. He came from Detroit, where the offensive line was a priority. Now in Chicago, he and Poles are off to a dynamite start following the pair of trades made.