The Chicago Bears aren’t playing around about protecting Caleb Williams in Year 2.
On Wednesday the Kansas City Chiefs shocked the NFL world by trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to Chicago in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick, according to Adam Schefter.
The trade won’t be processed until the new league year starts in about a week or so, but it marks the second offensive lineman the Bears have acquired in the last 24 hours after making the move for Rams Pro Bowler Jonah Jackson Tuesday afternoon.
Thuney held down Kansas City’s guard spot for each of the last four seasons — which included three Super Bowl appearances, two rings, and four AFC Championship Games.
That came after a pair of Super Bowl wins with the New England Patriots in 2016 and 2018 as one of Tom Brady’s most reliable protectors in the trenches.
Thuney may be getting up there in age, but he’s still very much at the top of his game — making three straight Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams after his first season in KC.
After news of the trade broke though, Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman appeared distraught on social media. Posting to X, “Not Joeeeeeee” with a concerned emoji.
The rest of the Chiefs Kingdom came to Hardman’s comment section to mourn the loss of Thuney online.
“even Mecole doesn’t want it,” a user cried.
“How are we going to trade away one of if not our best offensive lineman?…lol,” another asked. “Our O-line was [expletive] last season.”
“Yes, when reading this today, I was shocked and saddened that Joe is being traded,” a fan replied. “He’s an excellent and amazing player.”
“Yes we are all crying !” another person tagged Hardman. “do u think we will see you w/ chiefs 2025? Hope so !”
“Hoping it means we’re able to afford to keep Trey Smith The DAWG,” another fan said.
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Thuney is reportedly in the last year of a five-year, $80 million deal and is due $16 million in 2025.
Earlier this week, the Chiefs placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on 25-year-old guard Trey Smith.
