Thuney agreed to terms Tuesday on a two-year extension with Chicago, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The Bears traded a 2026 fourth-round pick to Kansas City in exchange for Thuney back in March, so he had been slated to finish out the 2025 campaign on the final season of the five-year, $80 million contract he inked with the Chiefs in 2021. Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Thuney's new two-year extension is worth a total of $35 million. He had been scheduled for a $16 million cap hit in 2025, but Thuney's extension should lower that figure. The 32-year-old left guard will work as a leader for Chicago's revamped offensive line, which also includes new interior starters Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Joe Thuney news
Team
Chicago Bears
Birthdate
11/18/1992 (32)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'4", 305 lbs
Draft Info
2016: Rd 3; Pk (NE)
Birthplace
Centerville, OH, USA
Position
G
College
North Carolina State
Experience
10 seasons
Career History
Kansas City Chiefs
2021-2025
(4 seasons)
New England Patriots
2016-2021
(5 seasons)
Thuney agreed to terms Tuesday on a two-year extension with Chicago, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The Bears traded a 2026 fourth-round pick to Kansas City in exchange for Thuney back in March, so he had been slated to finish out the 2025 campaign on the final season of the five-year, $80 million contract he inked with the Chiefs in 2021. Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Thuney's new two-year extension is worth a total of $35 million. He had been scheduled for a $16 million cap hit in 2025, but Thuney's extension should lower that figure. The 32-year-old left guard will work as a leader for Chicago's revamped offensive line, which also includes new interior starters Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson.
The Bears are trading a fourth-round pick to the Chiefs for Thuney, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Bears recently agreed to a deal for Rams G Jonah Jackson, who previously played for the Lions under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson. While Jackson is coming off a disappointing season with the Rams after signing a huge contract, Thuney remains universally regarded as one of the best and most consistent guards in the league. The 32-year-old even played left tackle when the need arose in Kansas City during the stretch run of this past season, although he struggled in the Super Bowl after mostly proving up to the task. Thuney likely will play left guard in Chicago, where returning starter Teven Jenkins (calf) is scheduled for free agency after completing his rookie contract. Trades can't be made official until the start of the 2025 league year next Wednesday (March 12).
Thuney (pectoral) passed his physical Sunday and was activated from the active/PUP list. Thuney has opened Kansas City's training camp on the sidelines as a result of continuing to recover from a pectoral injury he suffered in January. He now appears to be on the cusp of returning to the practice field in the coming days.
The Chiefs placed Thuney (pectoral) on the active/PUP list Wednesday. After getting injured during the divisional round of the playoffs last season, Thuney missed the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl for Kansas City. Head coach Andy Reid had previously said that Thuney is expected to be cleared to play in advance of the Chiefs' Week 1 game against Baltimore. He's eligible to be activated from the PUP list at any time this summer.
Head coach Andy Reid told reporters Thursday that he expects Thuney (pectoral) to be available for the beginning of the regular season, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports. Reid also noted that Thuney is "kind of right on the border" regarding his return for the start of training camp, which is another positive sign for the 31-year-old's recovery. Once Thuney is back on the field, he's expected to remain Kansas City's top left guard.