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The Bears didn't wait long to make good on their promise to protect Caleb Williams.
Just two months after acquiring All-Pro guard Joe Thuney in a trade with the Chiefs, Chicago has agreed to on a two-year contract extension that will keep the veteran in navy and orange through 2027. The deal is worth $17.5 million annually, bringing the total to $51 million over three years - with $33.5 million fully guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It's a big price tag, but one the Bears were happy to pay.
General manager Ryan Poles made no secret earlier this offseason that extending Thuney was near the top of his to-do list. "I love Joe; I love what he brings," Poles said earlier this month. "We'll see if we can work something out in the near future." Turns out, both sides didn't need long to get there.
A Foundation Up Front for the Caleb Williams Era
The Bears gave up a 2026 fourth-round pick to land Thuney from Kansas City - a small price for a five-time All-Pro with a reputation for elite protection, durability, and leadership. He's missed just one game in his career, and brings a level of consistency Chicago has been desperate for.
Thuney will line up next to fellow guard Jonah Jackson and new center Drew Dalman, forming the core of what Poles hopes is a radically improved offensive line. Rookie second-rounder Ozzy Trapilo could round out the group, giving head coach Ben Johnson plenty to work with as he installs his new offense.
For a team that gave up a league-worst 68 sacks last season, this investment signals a new direction - one where Caleb Williams isn't running for his life every Sunday.
Thuney, now 32, looks like he'll finish his career in Chicago. And in the process, he just might help change the trajectory of a franchise that hasn't had a winning season since 2018.