The Chicago Bears have reportedly gone all-in by extending general manager Ryan Poles’ contract. His 15 wins in three seasons didn’t faze the organization as they believe in him, and he’s now locked up with Ben Johnson through 2029.
Recently, the team signed a 32-year-old to a two-year, $32 million contract that one AFC executive doesn’t believe was worth it.
Did Joe Thuney Fall in ESPN’s NFL Interior Offensive Linemen Rankings?
NFL scouts, coaches, and executives put together a list of the top 10 players at each position. Joe Thuney, the former No. 1 interior offensive lineman, now sits at sixth in the rankings. He fell two spots from the 2024-25 season, but the Bears’ newest protection piece for Caleb Williams still finds himself as one of the top guards in the league.
Compensation update: New Bears guard Joe Thuney is receiving a two-year contract extension at $17.5 million per year, per source, making it $51 million for the next three years with $33.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. pic.twitter.com/seTuZxmirN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 20, 2025
Thuney was a third-round draft pick back in 2016 and spent his first five seasons in New England. The Patriots’ rookie contract turned into a five-year, $80 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Poles came to an agreement with the AFC powerhouse to send Thuney to Chicago for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick.
What Do NFL Executives Think About Thuney’s Contract?
The Bears find themselves in a unique situation. They locked up Thuney for two years at $35 million, a move that one AFC executive questioned. Everyone is kept anonymous in the poll as that individual said, “All technique, instincts and smarts with Joe. Physical skills are on the decline.”
Another commented, “Complete package: Speed, athletic ability, hand placement, toughness, instincts. I think power is a slight deficiency. Versatility isn’t.”
Thuney stands 6-foot-5, 304 pounds. Andy Reid had nothing but great things to say about Thuney as he seamlessly transitioned from guard to left tackle in the Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat in the 2024-25 season. The team fell short, but not due to a lack of effort on Thuney’s part.
Chicago won just five games in the 2024-25 season, so Thuney faces a different situation as a four-time Super Bowl champion. Having won LI, LIII, LVII, and LVIII, the three-time Pro Bowler already has accomplished more in his career than many can dream of. He’s started all 146 of the games he’s played in through his nine seasons in the league.
The NC State alum’s 2024 season saw him named First-team All-Pro, as he made his third straight Pro Bowl appearance. He has now been named First-team All-Pro in back-to-back seasons, and he made the Second-team in 2019 and 2022.
It’s an upgrade for Williams, who was sacked 68 times in the 2024-25 season. Thuney may be on the decline, but his veteran presence brings experience to a struggling offense.