LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – One of the Bears’ top priorities is signing offensive lineman Joe Thuney to a contract extension, general manager Ryan Poles said Tuesday.
The Bears acquired the three-time Pro Bowl guard Thuney from the Chiefs in March as he’s set to enter a contract season. Thuney, 32, has proved to be one of the premier players in the NFL at his position, and the Bears still believe that’s the case.
“That’s definitely, I would say, one of the priorities moving forward,” Poles said about a possible extension for Thuney.
The Bears traded a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Chiefs to acquire Thuney.
He’s expected to start at left guard for them this season.
Thuney is a nine-year NFL veteran who has started 146 career games, playing five seasons with the Patriots and four with the Chiefs. He’s also a four-time Super Bowl champion who earned rings with both New England and Kansas City.
Upon joining the Bears in March, Thuney’s mind wasn’t on a contract extension just yet, he said.
“I kind of let my agent handle all that,” Thuney said. “I just try and focus on the game and football, just getting ready for the season. That’s really what I’m focused on.
“I’m grateful to be here, and I’m pumped to play. I’ll let the business side of it handle itself. Excited to get on the field with the guys in OTAs and I’m excited to start working.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.