The Chicago Bears have signed veteran offensive guard Joe Thuney to a two-year contract extension after acquiring him in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this offseason. At 32, Thuney arrives as part of a major overhaul aimed at giving second-year quarterback Caleb Williams the support he needs to thrive in 2025.
Williams was under constant pressure during his rookie year, suffering 68 sacks the third-highest total in NFL history. The blame fell squarely on a struggling offensive line and questionable offensive coaching, which left the young QB exposed far too often.
This year, the Bears are determined to reverse course. With Thuney now in the fold, alongside rookie Ozzy Trapilo and additions like Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson, the Bears’ offensive line looks significantly improved just in time for what’s expected to be a competitive NFC North race.
But that improvement will be tested early, especially in Week 2 when Chicago travels to Detroit to face the Lions. Star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who missed most of 2024 with a broken leg, is expected to return healthy and hungry for sacks. If Hutchinson picks up where he left off, Thuney and the revamped O-line could face serious challenges.
Detroit’s defensive front also includes a returning Alex Anzalone, a healthy Jack Campbell, a rejuvenated Marcus Davenport, and potentially veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. With that kind of firepower, Thuney won’t have an easy debut in Bears colors.
While the Bears’ investment in their offensive line shows they’re serious about protecting Williams, they’ll also need to bolster their run game to ease the pressure on the young quarterback. Without that balance, even a player of Thuney’s caliber may find it difficult to hold the line against an aggressive Lions defense.
