LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Joe Thuney, a two-time All-Pro guard, has reached a two-year, $35 million contract extension with the Chicago Bears, as confirmed by his agent on Tuesday.
This extension averages $17.5 million annually. Thuney is set to earn $51 million over the next three years, with $33.5 million guaranteed, according to McCartney.
General manager Ryan Poles indicated last month that he aimed to finalize a deal. Thuney was about to enter the final year of a five-year, $80 million contract he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bears traded for the 32-year-old Thuney in March, part of a series of moves to strengthen a struggling offensive line and provide adequate protection for Caleb Williams. The quarterback was sacked a record-setting 68 times last season, the highest in the league, after being selected with the first overall pick. Chicago is hopeful that with the revamped line and new coach Ben Johnson, that figure will significantly decrease.
A two-time All-Pro in the past two years, Thuney is entering his 10th NFL season after playing on two Super Bowl-winning teams in New England and two more in Kansas City.
In addition to Thuney, the Bears acquired guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams, signed center Drew Dalman, and drafted Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo in the second round.
Last season, Chicago finished at the bottom of the NFC North with a 5-12 record, enduring a 10-game losing streak, which led to the dismissal of former coach Matt Eberflus after a Thanksgiving loss to Detroit.
Image Source: Joe Thuney @ Instagram
