Joe

Thuney

The moves create a solid $17 million in savings against the cap. The team found themselves right up against the salary cap before the restructures, now entering the regular season with about $22 million in space to maneuver.

Thuney wins the NFL’s inaugural offensive linemen award in his first season with the Bears, who acquired him in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick in March 2025. Although the left tackle position remains one of the most important positions in football, Thuney, a left guard, winning the award proves that Protector of the Year will not simply be handed to the NFL’s best left tackle.

Thuney’s new deal includes $33.5 million guaranteed. Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have prioritized the team’s offensive line after Caleb Williams led the league in sacks during his rookie season. Pro Football Focus graded Chicago’s offensive line as 2024’s eighth-best pass-blocking unit. Thuney, acquired from the Chiefs via trade back in early March, was graded by PFF as last year’s third-best pass-blocking guard. He allowed just eight QB hits and two sacks over 17 games with Kansas City in 2024.

Thuney is in the final year of a five-year, $80 million contract. He has a cap figure of $16 million this season. Entering his age-33 season, the Bears probably won’t go long on Thuney, but it’s possible he gets a two-year extension that guarantees him money into 2026.

A two-time Pro Bowler that helped stabilize the Kansas City offensive line after its struggles a few years ago, Thuney will join Ben Johnson’s revamped Bears offense in 2025. Thuney, 32, who has missed just one regular season game over three years with the Chiefs, was graded last season by Pro Football Focus as the league’s 21st best pass-blocking offensive lineman. The Chiefs, per the Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell, “weren’t in position to extend a 32-year-old guard with so many of their own young players headed towards free agency.” The Bears appear keen on bolstering their line after acquiring Jonah Jackson from the Rams on Tuesday. In 2024, Chicago had the league’s eighth best pass-blocking line, per PFF, while Caleb Williams took a league-high 68 sacks.

According to Fowler, tackle D.J. Humphries is healthy, but the team was impressed with how Thuney filled in at tackle earlier this season. In his three starts at left tackle, Thuney allowed 14 pressures and no sacks and didn’t surrender a single pressure in Week 17’s win over the Steelers, per PFF. Taking a “ride the hot hand” approach, the Chiefs will hope Thuney can continue his impressive play against Will Anderson and the Texans’ defensive front.

In addition to Thuney, the Chiefs also placed EDGE Charles Omenihu, DT Derrick Nnadi, and DB Jaylen Watson on the PUP list. Thuney suffered what was called a “significant pectoral injury” by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport during last year’s AFC Championship Game against the Ravens and was unable to suit up for the Super Bowl as a result. In addition to Thuney, Omenihu suffered a torn ACL in the Super Bowl and is a likely candidate to open the year on the reserve/PUP list. All players are eligible to return to the roster upon passing a physical.

Thuney was always considered a “long shot” to suit up after injuring his pectoral muscle in the AFC Divisional Round against the Bills. He was unable to go in the AFC Championship Game against the Ravens and will now miss his second-consecutive game with the injury. Guard Nick Allegretti is expected to replace Thuney on Sunday.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said earlier this week that Thuney is a “long shot” to play. Thuney is dealing with a significant pec injury and did not practice at all last week. It’s hard to imagine him playing, but the All-Pro guard is doing everything he can to suit up for the most important game of the season. We will get a clearer picture of his status before kickoff either by the Chiefs’ injury report or NFL insiders.

McKinnon (groin) was designated to return from injured reserve by the Chiefs this week, giving him a chance to practice before the Super Bowl. However, Andy Reid’s comments make it seem like it is unlikely we will see McKinnon play against the 49ers. Reid also said LG Joe Thuney is “a long shot” and also added “we’ll see” for WR Kadarius Toney’s chances of playing in the Super Bowl. Toney is practicing while Thuney and McKinnon are not.