Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams recently featured on an episode of "The Rush With Maxx Crosby."
Crosby, a hot name on the NFL's free agent list, has been connected with just about every team this offseason, but there are only a handful of teams that actually make sense for the 27-year-old defensive end. The tone of the conversation changed when Joe Thuney's name was brought up.
"He might be the greatest. He might be the greatest guard. He's unreal"
Caleb Williams didn't shy away from calling Joe Thuney the greatest
Williams didn't hesitate. He wasn't put on the spot. His comments on Thuney were genuine and came without hesitation. Williams didn't say anything that Thuney's teammates haven't echoed for years, but for Chicago fans, it is refreshing that the franchise quarterback is praising his line rather than defending it.
Thuney has been well known for years as one of the elite on the line. His trophy case reflects just that, with four Super Bowl rings: two with New England, guarding Tom Brady, and two in Kansas City, guarding Patrick Mahomes. Thuney's ability has clearly played a significant part in his team's successes, and most Bears fans feel lucky to see him play in Chicago.
“His résumé plus who he’s gone against and the games he’s been in… he’s the best.”
Bears general manager Ryan Poles made it a point to protect Williams in the pocket after the 2024 season saw Williams get sacked an extraordinary 68 times, more than any other quarterback in the league. There's an argument to be made that Thuney was the small push the Bears needed to find success.
Under normal circumstances, it's extremely difficult to organize an offensive line that both meshes well together and protects the quarterback. Poles had a job set out for him last offseason, but when you're signing the likes of Thuney, things seem a little simpler.
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Thuney signed a two-year contract with the Bears. The window may seem like it's just opened, but in the modern NFL, a playoff berth can feel exceedingly fleeting, and it closes fast. With just one more year of Thuney being a leader on the offensive line in Chicago, head coach Ben Johnson would do well to build upon the successes of 2025.