This Offensive Lineman’s Extension is a 'Priority' to Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears

Ryan Poles has proven time and again that if you perform well on the field, you get rewarded. T.J. Edwards and Kyler Gordon are the most recent examples of earning contract extensions with the Chicago Bears. However, Poles is taking a different approach with a newly acquired offensive lineman.

A Joe Thuney Extension is a “Priority” to Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears

The Bears traded for veteran guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this offseason, but he only has one year remaining on his current contract. With OTAs and minicamp looming, it shouldn’t be shocking to see both sides attempting to get a deal done. According to general manager Ryan Poles, “That’s definitely, I would say, one of the priorities moving forward,” in regards to Thuney receiving an extension.

Why will this approach be different?

Poles’ pattern of making a player prove himself on the field before extending them mainly applies to younger players who need to develop their skills. Even D.J. Moore needed to play a year before signing his lucrative four-year, $110 million extension.

Thuney hasn’t even played a single snap for Chicago yet. Poles is eager to keep him on the team for the foreseeable future. The one thing he does have is a resume to draw the desire to retain his talents.

As a four-time Super Bowl winner, a three-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time All-Pro, Thuney has more than earned the respect he’s been given from around the league. Unfortunately for Chicago, it seems that resigning Joe Thuney will only help them in the short term, as he is 32 years old and turns 33 in November.

If the Bears re-sign Thuney, it would likely be for two or three years at most. That’s when Caleb Williams’ price tag is set to get a little more expensive. It’s a smart move by Poles, and this gives the Bears a little bit more time to figure out what their plans are to surround their ascending quarterback with talent.