Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles knew his primary objective going into the 2025 offseason was clear. He had to upgrade the offensive line. Head coach Ben Johnson couldn’t execute his high-profile offense without one. What followed was one of the most impressive sequences a Bears GM has had in years. Over the space of a week, Poles added three quality starters to their front. It started with right guard Jonah Jackson, a former Pro Bowler who’d flamed out in Los Angeles. It ended with signing Drew Dalman, a solid center from Atlanta. However, the golden egg of the lot was Joe Thuney, a trade acquisition from Poles’ former team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Many couldn’t believe the three-time Super Bowl champions willingly let Thuney go. Though in his 30s, he’d continued showing he was one of the best guards in football. Unfortunately, salary-cap issues made the decision necessary. Thuney went on to make All-Pro again and win the inaugural Protector Of The Year award at the NFL Honors. Nobody can argue the trade was a rousing success, especially with the Bears’ offense finishing top 10 in both points and yards.
Now, an interesting question arises. Could Poles do it again?
Ryan Poles knows the Chiefs remain in cap hell.
Current estimates have them being $54 million in the red at the moment. That means they must clear up not only that amount of space, but even more to conduct any sort of business this offseason. In situations like this, some sacrifices are often required. It happened with Thuney last year. Poles could potentially strike again. Would Kansas City trade future Hall of Famer Chris Jones? Such a move would net them $15.6 million, but that feels unlikely. He remains the focal point of their entire defense. That said, there is one name that should interest the Bears.
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Jaylon Moore.
Last March, the Chiefs signed Moore in free agency to a two-year deal worth $30 million. It was felt he would be their starting left tackle in 2025. Things took an unexpected turn when Kansas City drafted Josh Simmons at the end of the 1st round. He soon became their starter instead, leaving Moore as a high-priced backup. He eventually did play after Simmons left the team for personal reasons, but his stint was marred by inconsistency. It didn’t help that he was switched from left to right tackle at one point. In his four starts on the left side, he allowed 12 total pressures. The run blocking was also pretty solid.
Moore is not Thuney.
Let’s be clear on that. Thuney is a future Hall of Famer. Moore has shown flashes of solid play in his limited opportunities over the past two years. Still, here is what we know. The Chiefs have major cap problems. They already have their left tackle set with Simmons. They could cut Moore, but are reluctant to do so because they’d end up paying him to play for somebody else. However, a trade would net them $14.9 million in cap space and a draft pick, helping them save face.
Conversely, Ryan Poles will have secured his team a desperately-needed insurance policy at left tackle. The price tag will likely be a late round pick. If Moore plays well this season? Great. He’ll have bought the team enough time for Ozzy Trapilo to recover. If not? No big deal. He will be a free agent next year. They won’t have to worry about paying him. It is a win-win for both sides, with the Bears having much higher potential in the deal.
