Andy Reid Detailed How Joe Thuney Reacted To The Bears Trade

Ryan Poles spent weeks determining what free agency could look like on the offensive line market. It didn’t take long to realize the talent available wouldn’t come close to matching the money necessary to sign the top names. That meant the Chicago Bears GM would have to get creative if he wanted to upgrade the front five. In the span of 24 hours, he swung trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, both former Pro Bowl guards. Thuney was by far the bigger shock. It was believed the Kansas City Chiefs wouldn’t let him leave since he was their best blocker. However, salary cap issues forced their hand.

While being traded is nothing new, even for great players, it must’ve been a shock for Thuney after years of incredible success. As it turns out, he may have sensed it come. Not only that, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed to former tight end Clay Harbor on The Better Angle that Chicago was a place the veteran guard wanted to go.

Joe Thuney likely had multiple reasons for wanting Chicago.

For one, they have the necessary cap space to pay him. He’s due an extension and Kansas City wasn’t equipped to give it to him. Another factor is Caleb Williams. Thuney has only played with great quarterbacks in his career, first with Tom Brady and then with Patrick Mahomes. He must have a high opinion of the Bears’ young quarterback if he green-lit the trade. Last but not least, he may want to play for a proven offensive mind. That is what he’d be doing with Ben Johnson in Chicago.

Yes, Joe Thuney will be 33 this year. He’s on the back nine of what could be a Hall of Fame career. There is no reason to suspect he is facing an imminent decline. Durable linemen tend to play well even into their mid-30s. If his health prevails, the Bears should get two or three more quality seasons from him. That would make the trade 100% worth it. Nobody can predict the future. All one can say is that Thuney wants to be here, and his presence should be a huge boost.