The Chicago Bears are sending a strong message to the league: they are serious about rebuilding their offensive line. In a span of fewer than 24 hours, the Bears pulled off two major trades that could significantly impact their roster for the upcoming season. On Tuesday, they struck a deal to acquire former Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams lineman Jonah Jackson, who played in only four games last season due to injury, in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. But they weren’t done there. Less than a day later, they reportedly reached an agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire All-Pro lineman Joe Thuney in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.
The Bears' offensive line was a major weakness last season, allowing a league-high 68 sacks. That’s why these acquisitions are so important—the team is investing heavily in protecting their future franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams. While the trades can’t be officially completed until March 12, the commitment to upgrading the line is clear. Thuney, a key protector of Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run, is expected to bring his veteran leadership and elite blocking skills to Chicago. Meanwhile, Jackson’s addition further strengthens the unit, giving the Bears a more formidable front line than they had last year.
Here are five key things to know about Joe Thuney and what he brings to the Bears:
1. Versatility and Proven Experience at Left Tackle
Thuney has built his career as one of the league’s top guards, but he showcased incredible versatility last season when the Chiefs needed him to step in at left tackle. In his first eight seasons, he had only played 82 snaps at left tackle. But in 2024, he took on the challenge and played 333 snaps at the position, stepping up when his team needed him most. That kind of adaptability is exactly what the Bears need as they continue shaping their offensive line. While he’s likely to return to his natural left guard position in Chicago, his ability to shift when needed makes him even more valuable.
2. The NFL’s Best Pass-Blocker Over the Past Two Seasons
If you’re looking for an elite pass protector, look no further. According to ESPN, Thuney has had the highest pass-block win rate in the NFL over the last two seasons, standing at an impressive 97.8%. That statistic alone should excite Bears fans, especially considering how much the team has struggled to keep its quarterbacks upright. Thuney’s ability to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside last season played a huge role in the Chiefs' success, and now Caleb Williams will benefit from the same elite protection.
3. Durability That the Bears Have Been Missing
One of the biggest struggles the Bears have faced on their offensive line in recent years is availability. Injuries have plagued the unit, leading to constant shuffling and inconsistency. That’s why acquiring a player like Thuney is a game-changer. Since being drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in 2016, he has missed only two starts in his career, playing in 146 of 148 possible games. Compare that to Chicago’s struggles at guard, where Teven Jenkins has missed a significant amount of time, playing just 45 games over four seasons. Thuney brings much-needed reliability to an offensive line desperate for consistency.
4. Championship Pedigree – Protecting the Best of the Best
Not many linemen in NFL history can say they’ve had the honor of protecting both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, but Thuney has done exactly that. He was a key part of the Patriots’ offensive line during their Super Bowl-winning seasons and later played a crucial role in Kansas City’s success, helping Mahomes lead the Chiefs to multiple championships. On top of that, he’s played under two of the greatest coaches in NFL history—Bill Belichick and Andy Reid. Now, he brings that experience and knowledge to Chicago, where he’ll provide leadership to a young offensive unit looking to establish itself. Having a player who knows what it takes to win at the highest level is invaluable for a team trying to build a winning culture.
5. A Resume Stacked with Accolades
It’s not just Super Bowl rings that make Thuney’s resume stand out—he’s been recognized as one of the best at his position throughout his career. A two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Second-Team All-Pro, and four-time Pro Bowler, Thuney is as decorated as they come for an offensive lineman. These accolades prove that he’s not just a good player—he’s an elite one. The Bears aren’t just getting a veteran presence; they’re getting a legitimate difference-maker who has proven time and time again that he belongs among the league’s best.
What This Means for the Bears Moving Forward
With these two major moves, the Chicago Bears are signaling that they’re ready to take a leap forward. Investing in the offensive line isn’t just about protecting Caleb Williams—it’s about building a team that can finally compete in a tough NFC North division. With a history of struggling offensive play, the Bears are making a statement that they won’t let history repeat itself.
If Thuney and Jackson perform as expected, Chicago’s offense could take a massive step in the right direction. Quarterback play has been an issue for years, but giving a young quarterback better protection can make all the difference. This is just the beginning of what could be an exciting offseason for Bears fans, but one thing is clear: Chicago is ready to compete, and they’re doing it by building from the trenches.
The countdown to March 12 is on, and Bears fans have every reason to be optimistic about what’s coming next.
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