Kansas City Chiefs fans knew the roster was going to change this offseason with numerous players due for contract extensions, and the first major domino has officially fallen.
After applying the franchise tag on Trey Smith in an effort to sign a long-term extension, the Chiefs implied they were going to let at least one veteran go. Most fans expected it to be Justin Reid or Nick Bolton, but instead, Kansas City elected to move on from someone who was still under contract in 2025.
On Wednesday, the Chiefs reportedly sent five-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears. This signals a massive shift in the offense and comes as a major surprise.
Sources: The #Bears are expected to trade for #Chiefs All-Pro G Joe Thuney, as the Chicago continues to load up on the offensive line.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2025
KC gets a bit younger, plus frees up some money to use elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/P0GdAd0WtW
Chiefs Trade All-Pro G Joe Thuney to Bears
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Chiefs will trade Thuney to the Chicago Bears. He notes that the Bears will take on the entire remaining $16 million salary Thuney was owed, quickly giving the Chiefs substantial cap room to work with as they explore deals for other players.
Adam Schefter of ESPN followed that the Chiefs will receive a 2026 fourth-round pick in exchange. That feels like a wildly low return for one of the most elite linemen in the league, and it is, though this trade is likely more about what Kansas City will do with the money he was owed than the actual pick they'll receive.
Thuney spent four years with the Chiefs, being named to the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams in the last three seasons. He was just recently named the team's MVP after moving over to left tackle in the final portion of the campaign and will be remembered for his toughness, versatility, and dependability.
There is a gaping hole on the left side of the line now. Another move has to be coming or perhaps Kansas City intends to invest heavily in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Massive questions persist at left tackle and unless the Chiefs are comfortable starting Kingsley Suamataia at left guard, Mike Caliendo is the next man up as things stand.
Either way, the front office has a lot of work to do to ensure Patrick Mahomes stays upright next year.