Then, on Wednesday morning, Poles pulled off another big trade acquiring two-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 fourth-round pick, according to reports. Many Bears fans wanted his teammate Trey Smith, who was set to become a free agent this year. However, the NFL increased their salary cap and he got the franchise tag, keeping him in KC.
When Smith became unavailable, the Bears needed Plan B in a hurry. Getting both Jackson and Thuney was the best possible outcome for the Bears as they now officially replaced both Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis.
Jackson played under Ben Johnson's offense in Detroit back in 2022-23 before signing a three-year, $51-million contract with the Rams last offseason. However, he missed most of training camp after sustaining an injury in late July and returned for the start of the regular season before aggravating his shoulder in Week 2 and landing on IR. He played one game after coming off IR before getting benched. Familiarity will be a huge asset for Jackson as he looks to re-establish himself again under Johnson, who is now the Bears head coach.
Thuney was drafted by New England back in 2016. He won Super Bowls 51 and 53 before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, winning Super Bowls 57 and 58. He brings instant credibility and leadership to the offensive line that gave up almost 70 sacks.
The Bears will now focus on adding a center (perhaps Drew Dalman?). Also, Poles has indicated Braxton Jones will face competition at left tackle when he met with the media at the NFL Draft Combine last week. Considering Jackson's injuries last season and Thuney being 32, they should still draft a guard with one of their first three picks (10th, 39th, and 41st) in case one of them gets hurt.
If Poles wants to see competition at left tackle like he said, he could take a chance on Ohio State's Josh Simmons, who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon injury. He is still considered the best left tackle prospect in this draft. If not Simmons, do they see LSU's Will Campbell as a tackle despite his 32-inch arms, or did Mizzou's Armand Membou surpass him following a strong combine workout? The Bears' offensive line makeover is far from over.