GM Ryan Poles has been a busy man this offseason. He has handled the usual business of adding more talent to the Chicago Bears’ roster in preparation for a serious push at playoff contention. There was hiring a new coaching staff as well. People overlook that he’s also been hard at work locking up key players on the roster to contract extensions. Kyler Gordon received one, as did T.J. Edwards and Jonah Jackson. Every conceivable money issue there was to deal with has been handled.
All except one.
Many have wondered when (or if) newly-acquired guard Joe Thuney would receive an extension. The 32-year-old All-Pro has one year left on his deal. Kansas City couldn’t afford to pay him what he’d command, which is why they traded him in the first place. Poles stated this was a goal for the Bears once the offseason settled down after the draft. It appears he is being true to his word. According to prominent Twitter (X) insider Slick Rick Scoops, the team is nearing an agreement with Thuney on a two-year extension.
The Chicago Bears have lined up all of their future money on the same date.
It isn’t a coincidence that every extension they’ve secured is no longer than three years. Poles is preparing for the eventuality of quarterback Caleb Williams getting his second contract in 2028. Presuming he plays well over the next few years, that deal will be massive in scale. Even modest quarterbacks are commanding upwards of $50 million per year. Teams have no choice but to operate in a window. They can spend heavily during the four years the quarterback is on a cheap rookie contract. After that, they must be frugal about their spending.
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Currently, the Chicago Bears have only two players under contract through the 2028 season. One is Gordon, and the other is D.J. Moore. Poles plans to have as much cap space as necessary to ensure he’s ready to pay Williams. It is hoped Thuney and these other veterans can help take advantage of the window while it’s open.
