As we know now, the Kansas City Chiefs intend to move starting left guard (and 2024 team MVP) Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick.
Thuney elevated himself to folk-hero status this past season when he filled in at left tackle for their Chiefs’ playoff run. Despite offensive tackle not being his natural position, Thuney battled and scrapped his heart out, which was a significant reason that Kansas City made it to its third consecutive Super Bowl.
Any time a move like this happens, it will elicit a variety of reactions from around the league and fans. Here is a sampling of what we’re seeing:
From Chicago’s perspective
The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov highlighted that the move aligns with how new Bears head coach Ben Johnson built his offense when he was with the Detroit Lions.
Current #Bears offensive line:
LT: Braxton Jones
LG: Joe Thuney
C: ?
RG: Jonah Jackson
RT: Darnell WrightBen Johnson had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL with Detroit. He knows they have to get it right up front in order to have success, and they aren’t wasting time. https://t.co/S2Vzb70C4H pic.twitter.com/M9DEORZNt0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 5, 2025
Part of the Bears’ plan
Fox Sports’ Carmen Vitali echoed Meirov’s comments, saying that Johnson may have previously signaled that a move like this was coming.
Ben Johnson said last week in Indy that he thinks it’s possible to remake the entire interior of the OL in one offseason.
Guess that was more of a plan than a possibility. One more to go? https://t.co/7yFAQC5oR1
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) March 5, 2025
An all-time run in Kansas City
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager tipped his cap to the historic run Thuney had with the Chiefs.
Joe Thuney was arguably the most valuable player on the 2024 Chiefs. And a beloved teammate and leader. If this is it, quite a run for an all-time KC player. pic.twitter.com/hb744nj0IM
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 5, 2025
Questions about the move
All that considered, not every analyst is convinced that this is the right move.
Meirov’s colleague at The 33rd Team questions if trading for Thuney is the best use of resources for Chicago.
Joe Thuney is a really good player. But the Bears trading for two expensive guards isn’t the best team-building philosophy. https://t.co/MoRmZieKkE
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 5, 2025
For Pete’s take
And then — as always — our own Pete Sweeney provided the even-handed context to the situation.
Thoughts on Joe Thuney to Chicago
Trading LG Joe Thuney frees up $16 million, space that can help sign the tagged RG Trey Smith to a long-term extension. As for left guard, the Chiefs really liked what they saw from Kingsley Suamataia in Week 18 and have other options in-house.… https://t.co/uYV0KNewES
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) March 5, 2025
Is this really the plan?
But the idea of second-year lineman Kingsley Suamataia replacing Thuney is — shall we say — less than palatable to some members of the Chiefs’ fan base.
Joy in the North
On the flip side, Chicago fans are beside themselves with joy over the news of the All-Pro joining their ranks.
Even if some fans had their eye on another Chiefs interior lineman initially, the general consensus is that this is a great move for Chicago.
I’d much rather trade a 4th for 3 years of Joe Thuney at a reasonable cost than trade a 2nd for 5 years of Trey Smith at 25M a year
— Let Ryan Poles Eat (@POLE2PLSEAT) March 5, 2025
A business decision
Most Chiefs’ fans seem to see this for what it was: part of the business of the NFL
Joe Thuney trade is a prime example of the NFL is just a business. An All Pro player who you turn to who doesn’t play LT and was your best option last year then gets traded away for pennys to clear cap space.. and to note Chiefs are still over the cap.. tough.
— Kingdom Connect (@ChiefsConnect) March 5, 2025
…with a lot of well-deserved thank yous and well wishes mixed in.
Joe Thuney has been one of my favorite Chiefs from the moment he got to KC. Always a hard worker. Maybe the most selfless player on our team. I know he’s older, & I understand it from the money perspective. But I don’t know what we’re getting from Kingsley at guard. Thuney is a… pic.twitter.com/erdFOIySVf
— Lexi (@lexiosborne) March 5, 2025
What’s your initial reaction to the news?