SHOCK EXIT: Patrick Mahomes Loses His Key Protector Joe Thuney as Chiefs Make Ruthless Roster Shakeup – What It Means for the Super Bowl Champs…see more

SHOCK EXIT: Patrick Mahomes Loses His Key Protector Joe Thuney as Chiefs Make Ruthless Roster Shakeup – What It Means for the Super Bowl Champs…see more

Patrick Mahomes loses key protector Joe Thuney as Chiefs make cost-cutting roster shakeup
The offensive lineman was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016
Joe Thuney will play for the Chicago Bears next season
Joe Thuney will play for the Chicago Bears next seasonLAPRESSE

The Kansas City Chiefs are making a major roster move ahead of free agency.

Andy Reid’s team is trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears.
Patrick Mahomes changes a fan’s life in one night

Joe Thuney is moving on from the Chiefs

Thank you for watching

According to multiple reports, including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears are sending a 2026 fourth-round pick in exchange for the veteran lineman.

Thuney, a key figure in Kansas City’s offensive line, was instrumental in protecting Patrick Mahomes and anchoring the run game.

However, with a base salary of $15.5 million in 2024, his contract became a financial burden for the Chiefs.

By trading him, Kansas City clears $16 million in cap space, flexibility that could prove crucial in their efforts to reinforce the roster.

The move marks the latest effort by the Bears to overhaul their offensive line in preparation for the 2025 season.

Chicago, which also recently traded for Rams guard Jonah Jackson, is aggressively building a stronger unit to support their expected No. 1 draft pick, quarterback Caleb Williams.
Bears receive All-Pro Guard
Despite being 32, Thuney remains one of the league’s 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.

While Chicago is expected to extend his contract, Kansas City had to make a tough decision-prioritizing long-term financial flexibility over keeping one of their most reliable linemen.

With Thuney gone, the Chiefs 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 pick Kingsley Suamataia to guard after his rookie struggles at left tackle.

Meanwhile, Kansas City’s decision to franchise-tag 25-year-old guard Trey Smith suggests they are committed to building a younger core in the trenches.

Though losing Thuney stings, the Chiefs 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.

MORE in MARCA

Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson sends Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt a compliment after stylish event appearance | MarcaMarca

Brittany Mahomes marks her territory shooting daggers at Patrick Mahomes for his flirty behavior | MarcaMarca

As the offseason unfolds, Kansas City’s next moves will be closely watched.
With Mahomes at the helm and Andy Reid’s coaching expertise, the Chiefs are expected to navigate these changes without missing a beat.