Thuney's Deal Adds Security For The Bears' Upgraded Line
While Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jared Goff and the other guys who touch the ball are widely celebrated in Detroit, they're hardly alone in celebrating touchdowns. The Lions wouldn't be an offensive dynamo without linemen like Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decks and Graham Glasnow.
To the degree Ben Johnson is looking to create a similar offense in Chicago, he is counting on Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman to have that same kind of impact. The two-year extension of Thuney's contract that was reported on Tuesday gives the Bears a chance to keep the interior of the offensive line together for three seasons.
In other words, general manager Ryan Poles is giving second-year quarterback Caleb Williams a fighting chance to use the skills that made him the first overall pick in 2024.
Poles not only acquired Thuney, Jackson and Dalman through trades or free agency since March but has lined them up with contracts that run through 2027, the final season on Williams' rookie contract.
Dalman was simple. Poles merely outbid the competition to sign the 26-year-old center away from Atlanta, giving him a three-year, $42 million deal. The Bears traded for the 28-year-old Jackson, a former Detroit guard who was limited to four games in the first year of a three-year, $51 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams.
Poles reworked Jackson's contract to add a non-guaranteed '27 season (and you wonder if it will be adjusted again after this season, as it carries a '26 salary cap hit is $25 million). But the heavy lifting came in extending Thuney. The 32-year-old All-Pro guard was due to be a free agent after '25 but is adding two seasons at a total of $35 million to the contract that followed him from Kansas City.
Thuney will be 35 when his deal ends. Few guards maintain their fitness to play in the mid-30s but the Bears are counting on Thuney's impeccable track record. He's started 167 games in nine seasons, including 21 in the playoffs.
The two guards and center represent $44.39 million of the Bears' salary cap between them, ranking among the seven most highly paid Bears. Only Montez Sweat, D.J. Moore, Naylor Johnson and Tremaine Edmunds will be more highly paid next season.
The focus for Poles and Johnson is to sort out the tackle situation ahead of the Monday Night Football opener against Minnesota.
Darnell Wright, the 10th overall pick in the 2023 draft, has started 33 of a possible 34 games at right tackle the last two seasons. The 333-pounder showed great improvement in his second season. Pro Football Focus ranked him 16th among 81 qualifying guards, with only eight (including Sewell) receiving a better run-blocking grade.
Left tackle became a major concern when Braxton Jones suffered a broken ankle last December. The fifth-round pick from Southern Utah University was a pleasant surprise as a rookie in 2022 and was graded out as the 21st best tackle last season by PFF. But he missed six games with injury in '23 and faces a problematic recovery to bounce back from the broken ankle.
The Bears are studying a variety of options, including a move of Wright to left tackle. They'll weigh of group of potential contributors including Jones, Yale product Kiran Amegadjie and the 6-foot-8 Ozzy Trapilo, a Boston College product drafted in the second round last month. Luke Newman, a sixth-round pick from Michigan State, was drafted as a guard but has the versatility to also handle reps at tackle.
For Trapilo and Newman, this is a chance to get in on the ground floor of a long-term project. The tackles should get a lot of help from the veterans playing alongside them.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Skanska rebuilds the Rourke Bridge in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA, for USD 274M, about SEK 2.8 billion
STOCKHOLM, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the design and replacement of the Rourke Bridge in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA. The contract is worth USD 274M, about SEK 2.8 billion, which will be included in the US order bookings for the second quarter of 2025. The project scope includes the complete removal of the existing temporary bridge, replacing it with a new permanent bridge structure, roadway reconstruction, highway drainage and storm water management facilities, traffic management, upgrading the traffic signals, highway lighting, landscaping, utility relocation and all other related bridge and highway work. Work will begin in May 2025 and is expected to reach completion in February 2030. For further information please contact: Maritza Ferreira, Vice President of Communications, Skanska USA, tel +1 (678) 492 2003 Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska Group, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 This and previous releases can also be found at This information was brought to you by Cision The following files are available for download: 20250610 US rourke bridge Image 1 - Rourke Bridge Image 2 - Rourke Bridge View original content: SOURCE Skanska
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Arizona Diamondbacks' offense hitless in last four innings, swept by Reds
CINCINNATI — With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning on Sunday, June 8, Diamondbacks catcher José Herrera set up his mitt above the outside of home plate to right-handed hitting Cincinnati Reds No. 9 hitter Matt McClain. The 0-1 slider from Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen missed the target and went right over the plate, where McClain was able to get a good swing and send the ball into the left-field seats for a two-run home run. Advertisement That shot broke a 2-2 tie for a 4-2 Reds lead, and it was all Cincinnati needed to take a win and a series sweep over the Diamondbacks this weekend at Great American Ball Park. It was one of three home runs for the Reds on the day, all off Gallen (4-8). "Maybe one of those stays in at another park," Gallen said. ''But it looked like they were hit pretty solid. Obviously, it's on your mind when you're out there, you're cognizant of this park playing a little bit smaller. You kind of tend to have higher home run totals. But I think when you make a mistake toward the middle of the plate, it doesn't matter where you're playing." Gallen — in his 150th career start as a Diamondback — allowed four runs on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts in 6⅔ innings, a decent outing but one not supported by much offense. The Diamondbacks (31-34) scored just six runs over three games in a hitter-friendly stadium, and on Sunday went the final four innings of the game without a hit or even a single runner on base. Advertisement "Very disappointed," manager Torey Lovullo said. "We lose two tough ballgames here. The middle game (13-1 loss) was a clunker yesterday, I'm aware of that. But they (the Reds) got big hits at most critical times, and we didn't. And that's the difference in the game. "Our guys are very capable of doing that. It just didn't happen," Lovullo added. "But Zac did his job today. He did everything he possibly could. He felt great, looked great, just made a couple of mistakes and he paid for it." The Diamondbacks had a 2-0 lead through three innings but couldn't build on it. They had two runners on base in both the fourth and fifth innings but couldn't score. Eugenio Suarez hit his second home run in as many days and Corbin Carroll drove in Alek Thomas for a run in the third inning, but Geraldo Perdomo grounded into a pair of double plays. Advertisement "He's so good at working counts, seeing the ball, just working his approach around the field," Lovullo said of Perdomo. "Maybe getting a little bit jumpy and pull-happy." Rain delayed the game 31 minutes before the top of the sixth inning, the second game in three days affected by precipitation in southern Ohio. "It's what happens when you come to the Midwest," Lovullo said. "It seems like every year when we come on this trip in this space. So we talked about it, it didn't surprise anybody. It's just one of those things you've got to deal with." Thomas led a good day on defense for the Diamondbacks with a diving catch in center field to rob Gavin Lux of an extra-base hit. There was a double p[ay turned in the infield, and Gallen picked off the speedy Elly De La Cruz as the Arizona executed the rundown play well. Advertisement Next for the Diamondbacks is the struggling Seattle Mariners back at Chase Field. They've dropped out of the top spot in the American League West. "When we go back home I think we're going to be just fine," Thomas said. "We're just going to put together good at-bats and pass the baton to the next guy, and get on base and drive them in. A little bit of luck in there, too, and things will fall our way." Backhus makes big league debut Left-handed reliever Kyle Backhus entered the game in the bottom of the eighth and made his major league debut, tossing a scoreless 1-2-3 inning. Backhus was called up from Triple-A Reno earlier in the day, and his first career MLB strikeout came against De La Cruz, the star of the Reds. Advertisement Lovullo said Backhus showed what the organization liked about him in spring training. "Super proud of him, super happy for him and he's got some really good stuff," Lovullo said. "We're very intrigued by what he's capable of doing." Backhus said there was not enough time for his wife and infant daughter to come see his debut on such short notice with the call-up. But they will join him when the Diamondbacks return to Phoenix on June 9. "It was exciting. Tried not to put too much into it," Backhus said. "A lot of guys in the bullpen helped calm my nerves a little bit. Being around some of these guys in camp helps a lot. Just going out there and doing my thing." Advertisement Backhus was on a road trip with Reno in Oklahoma City so he got two hours of sleep because he was awake doing laundry. "Other than that, it is what it is. I'll take this call 100 more times," Backhus said. Busy days for DBacks' Herrera José Herrera nodded his head in the clubhouse before Sunday's game, when asked how his arm felt. That was good for the Diamondbacks, who called upon Herrera to catch a full game for the second straight day. Herrera normally catches on Sundays, but he was pressed into service as catcher and for one inning, relief pitcher the day before. Herrera caught for 12 innings on June 7, then pitched a scoreless inning. Several teammates asked him if he was feeling good. Advertisement "I like the catchers pitching, because they throw the ball back to the pitcher at that distance, and it's not adding on to any more volume," Lovullo said. "They're going to receive one, they're going to throw one back to the pitcher, so it's a one-for-one proposition for me. They know the distance, they know how to gauge the speed, and they can lob it in there because they're used to it." Lovullo told Herrera not to throw more than 55 mph. Herrera's velocity was in the 40s, in a game the Diamondbacks lost 13-1. "I just don't want anybody to get hurt in that situation," Lovullo said. "I want to just get off the field healthy and live to fight another day." Moreno 'feeling much better,' Carroll back in lineup After not playing in the June 7 game against the Reds, catcher Gabriel Moreno's sore right hand was feeling better on June 8, Lovullo said. Moreno was OK to serve as a backup to Herrera. Advertisement Moreno seems to have avoided an injured list stint for the moment. "He got struck on the hand by a ball that got him in the right spot, and we felt like it was going to be day to day for a little while," Lovullo said. "But it was going to turn a corner quickly, and eventually get him back on the field much quicker than the 10 days (injured list), and that's kind of where we're at right now." Lovullo gave an update on the catching depth in the minor leagues. Adrian Del Castillo is about to return to Reno for games after rehabbing his injured shoulder at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, and Rene Pinto, who with Del Castillo and Garcia was also in spring training, recently broke his hand. Also, outfielder Corbin Carroll was back in the lineup on June 8 after two days out for rest. Advertisement "It's just nice to have one of the best players in the league available and back in your lineup," Lovullo said. "But we had to be careful. There's a lot of baseball, and it was a quick turnaround day in Atlanta, and he plays hard. He goes as hard as anybody we have, and the body was just not responding and needed a little bit more rest." Roster move The Diamondbacks had to return pitcher Christian Montes De Oca to Reno despite his solid outing on June 7, because he was the appointed 27th player on the active roster for the day. But the team did add a pitcher on June 8, with Backhus brought up and catcher Aramis Garcia designated for assignment. Garcia caught for a half-inning on June 7, soon after being called up to provide coverage, with Moreno unable to play due to right hand soreness. Advertisement Backhus is 4-4 with a 2.22 earned run average at Reno, with 24 appearances this season. Coming up Monday, June 9: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (6-2, 3.43) vs. Mariners RHP Emerson Hancock (2-2, 5.19). Tuesday, June 10: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-4, 5.51) vs. Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (5-3, 3.07). Wednesday, June 11: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (1-3, 6.70) vs. Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (2-5, 5.73) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks' offense falters in loss and 3-game sweep by Reds
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MLB All-Star Game 2025 picks, predictions: DBacks' Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte starters?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are struggling this season, falling far below expectations with a 31-34 record before their June 9 game against the Seattle Mariners. But could the team still end up with two starters in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game? Advertisement Voting is underway for the game, and several writers have released early predictions for who could start the July 15 game at the Atlanta Braves' Truist Park. A couple of the projections are high on Carroll, Arizona's dynamic outfielder, and Marte, the DBacks' second baseman. Check out what MLB All-Star picks say about Carroll and Marte's chances to start the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Voting for MLB All-Star Game starters runs through July 2. More: Arizona Diamondbacks' offense hitless in last four innings, swept by Reds ESPN: Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte should be National League starters in All-Star Game David Schoenfield picked Carroll to start in the outfield, while also picking Marte to start at second in a tight battle with Brendan Donovan, Brice Turang and Nico Hoerner. Advertisement He wrote: "My vote goes to Marte. He's the best player of the group, and only the injury holds him back in the debate. He's hitting .294/.418/.603 with 12 home runs in 39 games and has more walks than strikeouts, ranking in the 90th-plus percentile in walk rate and lowest strikeout rate. What a fantastic player — often overlooked. Donovan makes it as the backup, while Turang and Hoerner draw the short straw and are left off my hypothetical team." CBS Sports: Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll early favorites to start All-Star Game for National League Of Marte, Matt Snyder wrote: "Marte trails Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan in WAR due to a stint on the injured list earlier this season, but he'll have logged plenty of games by the time we get to the Midsummer Classic and he's the best second baseman in baseball. Through 35 games, he's got six doubles, 10 homers, 17 RBI, 27 runs, has walked more than he's struck out and is hitting .293/.416/.585." Snyder took Carroll along with Pete Crow-Armstrong and James Wood for his NL outfielder starters, writing: Fernando Tatis Jr. and Kyle Tucker have arguments, both for performance this season and for established star power. With my three selections and these two, I feel like it's a clear-cut top five, though I could see a case for Jackson Merrill, Juan Soto and even Ronald Acuña Jr., now that he's back. … Carroll, Tatis and Tucker are established stars, as noted. I took Carroll here, but it was very close among my top five selections." Advertisement Diamondbacks lookahead: Mariners, Padres next on Arizona's schedule Bleacher Report: Corbin Carroll deserves to start MLB All-Star Game Joel Reuter had Carroll among his outfielders, but took Brendan Donovan over Marte at second base. He wrote: "Brendan Donovan vs. Ketel Marte at second base could end up being one of the tighter voting battles, while Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Corbin Carroll will need to hold off Fernando Tatis Jr. and rising star James Wood in the NL outfield." Could Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll be MLB All-Star Game starters for the Arizona Diamondbacks? The Athletic: Neither Corbin Carroll nor Ketel Marte picked as All-Star starters Jim Bowden had Brendan Donovan and Brice Turang as his top options at second base in the National League. He had Carroll behind Kyle Tucker among NL right fielders, writing: "Carroll leads all NL right fielders with 18 homers while posting a .914 OPS with 10 steals and 44 runs scored." Advertisement Will Carroll and Marte be NL All-Star Starters? You can vote for the MLB All-Star Game starters here. Reach Jeremy Cluff at Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff. Support local journalism: Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MLB All-Star Game predictions: Two starters for Arizona Diamondbacks?
