There isn't a lot of certainties in life, but the Chicago Bears' trade of guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs was always viewed as a home run for general manager Ryan Poles. That continues to be the case.
The Chicago Sun-Times Bears reporter Patrick Finley revealed the top vote getters for the team in their positions. Kevin Byard is leading the way at safety and Thuney leads the guards.
#Bears safety Kevin Byard and guard Joe Thuney lead their position groups in Pro Bowl fan voting.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) December 1, 2025
It's easy to see how Byard has found his way to the top as he leads the NFL in interceptions with six. Thuney was always an almost automatic shoe-in for the Pro Bowl as he has proven year in and year out why he is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
Poles struck gold with Thuney dominating on Bears' offensive line in 2025
While Thuney has had some minor issues this season, he is still playing at a high level for the Bears. Pro Football Focus gives him the ninth-highest grade of any of the 81 qualified guards with a 74. He has the highest pass blocking grade in the NFL at 85.9 and is 29th in run blocking with a grade of 66.1.
On 486 pass blocking snaps in 2025, Thuney has allowed 10 quarterback pressures, one quarterback hit, and zero sacks. He has committed two penalties this season.
Poles no doubt fleeced Kansas City on the Thueny trade as they only gave up a 2026 fourth-round pick. That is incredible value: a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro, two-time second-team All-Pro, and a four-time Super Bowl champion.
Chicago gave him a two-year, $35 million contract extension in the offseason to be the starting left guard. It's safe to say after a 9-3 start that he was worth every single dime.
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This is just another example that, while there were many doubts about Poles as a general manager, he has come through in a big way in 2025.