Going into this offseason, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles had to throw caution to the wind when addressing the offensive line.
But, after trading for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and extending him on a new contract, Poles not only won by upgrading a position of need, but gave his team the ultimate flexibility in the process.
Thuney's new contract details reveal the Bears were able to clear an extra $8 million in cap space for 2025, which allows for another significant move this offseason or before the trade deadline, if necessary.
His 3-year, $51 million contract also allows the Bears to be in power after Year 2.
The Bears win even if Joe Thuney isn't the player he once was
What's also curious about the Thuney contract details is the fact that, after the 2026 season, Chicago could cut him and save $5 million in the process.
This isn't an ideal situation in terms of potentially having to fill his shoes if Thuney were to see a decline in production. However, the built-in flexibility of being able to get out of the deal after just two years should be seen as a victory.
This was, after all, a move that Bears fans had hoped solidified the position for more than just two years. Thuney playing at a high level for all three seasons would be ideal, of course. Even earning a second contract in Chicago would make this a perfect world for the Bears.
But, as we know, anything can happen in this league. God forbid Thuney sees a downtick in his ability, the Bears have an out.
Now, coming off two-straight All Pro nods, the odds of Thuney declining so abruptly aren't very high. The Bears are banking on that. Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams are banking on it.
This is just going to show that, in any event, Poles was able to structure this deal in the best way possible for his organization.
