The Chicago Bears just locked in a cornerstone, and fans couldn’t be more fired up. Two-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney is staying put, with a fresh contract and a mission to change the narrative in the Windy City. After years of offensive line woes, general manager Ryan Poles is finally putting real weight behind the protection unit, and the investment in Thuney might just be the crown jewel.
A proven winner with rings in both New England and Kansas City, Thuney is walking into Year 10 with a new home, a new deal, and a quarterback to protect in Caleb Williams, who was sacked a league-high 68 times last season. If that number’s going down, it starts with No. 62.
Bears Fans Can’t Stop Praising Ryan Poles
The moment news of the extension broke, Bears fans wasted no time flooding social media with pure joy — and a whole lot of gratitude toward the man who pulled it off.
For the #Bears and Joe Thuney, it’s a 2-year deal worth $17.5M per year. He’ll make $51M for the next 3 years with $33.5M fully guaranteed at signing. https://t.co/99kFb0kJPI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
One fan summed it up in five words, “Thank you Ryan Poles.”
Another couldn’t hide their excitement about the direction of the franchise.
Bears gonna run the league now
— Tyler Herro Muse ☆ (@danhurleyuconn)
“Bears gonna run the league now.”
A longtime fan marveled at the urgency Poles has shown this offseason.
“Boom I’ve never seen the Bears work on their OL like they have this offseason.”
Some kept it short and loud: “BANNNGGGG.”
And one post captured the value of the deal perfectly.
That's a steal in all honesty
— Hmmm (Brad) (@CubsEnjoyerBANG)
“That’s a steal in all honesty.”
Another one added, ”Bonus! I’m so excited to watch the seasons absolute talent. With great coaching staff!”
Poles may have taken heat before, but these reactions show just how much confidence he’s regained among the fan base. This isn’t just about adding talent — it’s about restoring belief.
Joe Thuney’s New Deal Sets the Tone for Chicago
The Bears and Thuney agreed to a two-year, $35 million contract extension, which agent Mike McCartney announced on Tuesday, May 20. The deal includes $33.5 million guaranteed and pays Thuney $17.5 million annually, pushing his total compensation over the next three years to $51 million.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added more clarity, noting that Thuney will now rank fourth among all left guards in average annual value, and 10th among guards overall. It’s a pay bump the Kansas City Chiefs couldn’t afford, but in Chicago, Poles had no hesitation.
After sending a 2026 fourth-round pick to Kansas City for Thuney in March, it always felt like an extension was coming. Poles even said that getting a deal done was a priority. Now, it’s official.
Thuney wasn’t just brought in to anchor the interior; he’s here to be the tone-setter. Even at 32, he’s still regarded as one of the most versatile and technically sound linemen in the game. Thuney stepped in at left tackle for the Chiefs last season and held his own all the way to another Super Bowl appearance. The Bears are betting that same toughness translates to the NFC North.
Chicago also signed guard Jonah Jackson, center Drew Dalman, and drafted Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo in the second round. This is a complete rework of a unit that let its rookie QB get battered week after week in 2024. New head coach Ben Johnson has made it clear — it starts up front.