The Chicago Bears want to make sure quarterback Caleb Williams stays upright for years to come. The team took a major step toward accomplishing that goal Tuesday, reportedly extending guard Joe Thuney with a two-year, $35 million deal, according to multiple reports.
The deal contains $33.5 million in guaranteed money and will keep Thuney with the club through the 2027 season. If Thuney, 32, plays out the entirety of the contract, he would have the highest career earnings of any guard in NFL history, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Thuney was acquired by the Bears in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason. Chicago gave up a fourth-round pick for Thuney, who was entering the final year of the five-year, $80 million contract he signed with the Chiefs in 2021. While Thuney performed well last season, Kansas City’s cap situation made it hard for the team to retain him beyond 2025, which may have led to the trade.
Advertisement
Thuney has been a strong presence on the line since he was a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2016 NFL Draft. He started every single game with the Patriots in five seasons with the club. Thuney also helped lead the team to two Super Bowl championships.
He received even more recognition for his excellence after joining the Chiefs. Thuney made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons and was named a first-team NFL All-Pro in both 2023 and 2024. He played a major role in the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl in both 2022 and 2023.
Read the full article here
