Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs shockingly parted ways with veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney. Thuney, who spent the last four years in Kansas City, played an integral role in Kansas City winning two Super Bowls.
The Chiefs sent the veteran lineman to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. KC fans weren’t happy with the trade, but for the Chiefs, they needed to prioritize youth and financial flexibility.
Speaking of finances, the veteran offensive lineman just received a nice pay raise that will keep him in the Windy City for the next few seasons. According to Thuney’s agent, the former Chief is getting a two-year extension from the Bears, as he only had one year left on his current deal.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported that Thuney’s extension is worth $17.5 million per year, bringing his new total to $51 million for the next three years with $33.5 million fully guaranteed at signing.
The Chiefs wouldn’t have been able to do this as they still have to work out a long-term deal with guard Trey Smith, who was given the franchise tag for $23.4 million.
That said, the Chiefs will miss Thuney a lot, especially with his performance last season when Kansas City’s offensive line was in disarray. Thuney played almost 900 snaps at left guard (854) in 2024, but switched to left tackle (217 snaps) as it was a spot of weakness for the Chiefs.
Granted, the switch happened late last season, but it helped Kansas City make its third-straight trip to the Super Bowl. It won’t be easy for the Chiefs to replace the two-time first-team All-Pro, but they’ll try, hoping Kingsley Suamataia can hold down left guard and that free-agent signing Jaylon Moore can protect Mahomes’ blindside this upcoming season.