TheĀ Kansas City ChiefsĀ are making a major roster move ahead ofĀ free agency.
Andy ReidāsĀ team is trading All-Pro guardĀ Joe ThuneyĀ to theĀ Chicago Bears.
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Joe Thuney is moving on from the Chiefs
According to multiple reports, including NFL Networkās Ian Rapoport, theĀ BearsĀ are sending a 2026 fourth-round pick in exchange for the veteran lineman.
Thuney, a key figure inĀ Kansas CityāsĀ offensive line, was instrumental in protectingĀ Patrick MahomesĀ and anchoring the run game.
However, with a base salary ofĀ $15.5 millionĀ in 2024, his contract became a financial burden for theĀ Chiefs.
By trading him,Ā Kansas CityĀ clearsĀ $16 million in cap space, flexibility that could prove crucial in their efforts to reinforce the roster.
The move marks the latest effort by theĀ BearsĀ to overhaul their offensive line in preparation for the 2025 season.
Chicago, which also recently traded for Rams guardĀ Jonah Jackson, is aggressively building a stronger unit to support their expected No. 1 draft pick, quarterbackĀ Caleb Williams.
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Despite being 32,Ā ThuneyĀ remains one of the leagueās top guards.
Last season, he earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, boasting a stellar 82.0 pass-block grade (5th among guards per Pro Football Focus), allowing zero sacks, and committing just one penalty.
WhileĀ ChicagoĀ is expected to extend his contract,Ā Kansas City had to make a tough decision-prioritizing long-term financial flexibility over keeping one of their most reliable linemen.
With Thuney gone, theĀ ChiefsĀ will likely turn to internal options or the draft to address the interior of their offensive line.
One possible move is shifting 2024 second-round pickĀ Kingsley SuamataiaĀ to guard after his rookie struggles at left tackle.
Meanwhile,Ā Kansas CityāsĀ decision to franchise-tag 25-year-old guardĀ Trey SmithĀ suggests they are committed to building a younger core in the trenches.
Though losingĀ ThuneyĀ stings, theĀ ChiefsĀ have a history of smart roster management and should remain competitive.
With extra cap space, they now have more room to pursue reinforcements elsewhere-perhaps at left tackle, a key area of need.
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As the offseason unfolds,Ā Kansas CityāsĀ next moves will be closely watched.
WithĀ MahomesĀ at the helm andĀ Andy ReidāsĀ coaching expertise, theĀ ChiefsĀ are expected to navigate these changes without missing a beat.