Bears Prized Offseason Addition ‘On the Decline,’ Says NFL Exec

When the Chicago Bears traded for veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney in March 2025, it wasn’t just about acquiring another starter—it was a statement of intent.

Fresh off a dominant stint with the Kansas City Chiefs that included multiple All-Pro nods and a few Super Bowl rings, Thuney arrived in Chicago as a proven leader and technician with undeniable championship pedigree. The Bears wasted no time securing his services for even longer, handing him a two-year, $35 million extension.

The move was especially critical given the team’s commitment to protecting franchise quarterback Caleb Williams after a rookie year where he was sacked an NFL-high 68 times in 2024.

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler spoke to several league executives, coaches and scouts, who in turn ranked the NFL’s top interior offensive linemen heading into the 2025 season. They ranked Thuney No. 6 overall, down two slots from his appearance at No. 4 last year. While the vast majority of comments about the veteran OL were positive, there was one that could be a bad omen for the Bears.

Joe Thuney’s Physically ‘On the Decline,’ Says NFL Executive

GettyOne exec thinks Bears OL Joe Thuney is on the decline.

 

Across nine regular seasons, Thuney started all 146 games he appeared in and played in 21 postseason contests—tying for second most by an offensive lineman in NFL history. His versatility has been another key trait: although he’s primarily a left guard, he’s started games at center and tackle when needed.

“Complete package: Speed, athletic ability, hand placement, toughness, instincts,” one AFC executive told Fowler about Thuney. “I think power is a slight deficiency. Versatility isn’t.”

Another exec thinks it may be all downhill from here.

“All technique, instincts and smarts with Joe,” a different AFC executive said. “Physical skills are on the decline.”

After a successful five-year run in New England in which he won two Super Bowls, Thuney signed on with the Chiefs in 2021. There, he continued to shine, helping anchor an offensive line that protected Patrick Mahomes en route to multiple AFC West titles and a win in Super Bowl 57.

Thuney, 32, earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2022 and followed that up with first-team selections in both 2023 and 2024. Though he missed time during the 2023 postseason with a pectoral injury, he still collected his fourth Super Bowl ring when Kansas City won Super Bowl 58.

Thuney’s Experience Make Him Best OL Bears Have Had in a Long Time

Thuney’s arrival was met with optimism throughout Halas Hall. Analysts across the league pointed to his leadership, championship experience and consistency as vital additions to a Bears team trying to turn the corner under new head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles.

Bears new offensive line coach Dan Roushar described Thuney, along with fellow additions Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, as “smart, tough guys that love football,” highlighting the cultural impact of the signings in addition to the on-field upgrade.

Even if his physical traits begin to diminish, he beings invaluable leadership and experience to the locker room. Thuney quickly made a strong impression during offseason workouts, integrating well into the team and emerging as a vocal presence in the locker room.

From a financial standpoint, his extension tightens the Bears’ cap flexibility in 2026, leaving them with less space for major signings. Still, the front office deemed it a worthy investment for one of the league’s premier guards, as Thuney is now tasked with anchoring the interior line and mentoring a unit responsible for protecting the franchise’s most valuable asset in Williams.