Latest news with #Thuney
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Joe Thuney (No. 3)
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year. Next up at No. 3 is left guard Joe Thuney, who will be a key role in shoring up Chicago's offensive line and protecting quarterback Caleb Williams. Background Position: Left guard Age: 32 Experience: 10th season 2025 cap hit: $8 million 2024 recap Thuney has established himself as one of the best guards in the NFL, and he showcased why last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, Thuney started all 17 games for the Chiefs. While he played primarily at left guard, he kicked over to left tackle for three contests as Kansas City dealt with injuries along the offensive line. Thuney once again served as key protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs once again made a Super Bowl appearance. Thuney was named to the Pro Bowl and earned a First-Team All-Pro nod for his 2024 outing. 2025 outlook The Bears focused on overhauling the offensive line this offseason, including the additions of guard Jonah Jackson (via trade) and center Drew Dalman (in free agency). But their biggest addition was Thuney, who was acquired in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Shortly after, Chicago signed him to a two-year, $35 million deal to keep him through 2027. Thuney has the potential to have the biggest impact given his resume and proven production. He's coming off an All-Pro season where he even kicked out to left tackle, but he thrived at left guard protecting Patrick Mahomes. Now, Thuney brings that experience, production and leadership to a revamped Chicago offensive line that will be crucial to quarterback Caleb Williams' success. And if rookie Ozzy Trapilo wins the starting left tackle job, Thuney will be even more crucial for Trapilo as he acclimates to the pro game. The Bears will only go as far as Williams takes them. And Williams will only go as far as his offensive line allows. Thuney will play an integral role in the offensive line's success. Big question: Can Thuney continue to be a top NFL guard in Chicago? The Bears invested a lot in Thuney -- a fourth round pick in 2026 and $33.5 million guaranteed -- so they're banking on him to serve an integral role along the offensive line. Thuney is a two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl winner and one of the best guards in the entire NFL. Thuney's an elite pass blocker and has been the best pass-blocking guard, per Pro Football Focus, since 2021 with a 90.2 grade. But the question remains whether Thuney will continue that level of play outside of a winning organization like Kansas City. Chicago overhauled the entire interior offensive line, and Thuney will serve as an anchor in the trenches when it comes to protecting quarterback Caleb Williams. 30 Most Important Bears of 2025
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs C Creed Humphrey recalls time with former teammate Joe Thuney
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey addressed reporters after practice on Thursday at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. He reflected on his time with former teammate Joe Thuney, who was traded to the Chicago Bears during the offseason. "First and foremost, he was a talented player. He's an All-Pro, all that stuff, he's one of the best guards in the league. So you know you're gonna miss that," said Humphrey, "But also just the camaraderie, he was a great teammate, great mentor, always kept the room with good morale, always cracking jokes, being funny, but doing it at the right time and leading the right way. He's set a good example for me and Trey to follow these past four years, and we've learned a ton from him. I'm extremely thankful for the time I have with Joe (Thuney). He was an awesome teammate and a great leader." Thuney is a four-time Super Bowl champion, dating back to his time with the New England Patriots and his recent years with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2024, he earned his second consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection, having already secured three career Second-Team All-Pro selections. According to Pro Football Focus, Thuney ranked second among all guards in 2024 in pass-blocking.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where ESPN ranks Bears guard Joe Thuney after Chiefs trade
The post Where ESPN ranks Bears guard Joe Thuney after Chiefs trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Chicago Bears are arguably the most improved team in the NFL heading into training camp. Chicago added Ben Johnson at head coach and made a flurry of moves to upgrade the roster. One Bears player just got his name included in an exclusive list. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler ranked the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL in his most recent article. Fowler polled NFL scouts, coaches, and executives to come up with his ranking list. Bears fans will be pleased to learn that newcomer Joe Thuney cracked the top 10, coming in sixth place. The Bears traded for Thuney, as well as guard Jonah Jackson, right at the start of NFL free agency this spring. Thuney is an elite pass protector whose 96.4% pass block win rate is tied for first in the NFL among guards. He is also a versatile offensive linemen, proving that he can play at left tackle last year with the Chiefs. 'Complete package: Speed, athletic ability, hand placement, toughness, instincts,' an AFC executive said. 'I think power is a slight deficiency. Versatility isn't.' Coaches also praised Thuney for his incredible grip strength. Once he gets his paws on a defensive player, they aren't going anywhere. 'All technique, instincts and smarts with Joe,' a separate AFC executive said. 'Physical skills are on the decline.' If Thuney continues to play at a high level, it could unlock Ben Johnson's new-look Bears offense in 2025. ESPN criticizes Bears for 'awful' Grady Jarrett free agency signing ESPN may like the Joe Thuney trade, but they are not fans of a different Bears offseason move. Seth Walder criticized the Bears for signing veteran defensive lineman Grady Jarrett to a three-year contract worth $43.5 million in free agency. Walder called the move 'awful value' in his critique. 'On the flip side, the Jarrett deal was awful value,' Walder wrote. 'They gave him a three-year contract averaging $14.25 million with $28.4 million fully guaranteed, per Roster Management System. That includes a full guarantee on his 2026 base salary when Jarrett, who has been steadily declining, will be 33. Jarrett's pass rush win rate at defensive tackle has dropped every season from 2019 (22%) to 2024 (9%), and he suffered a torn ACL in 2023.' The sticking point here is the contract value. Nobody seems to be complaining that Jarrett is not a talented player. But his large contract, with one fully guaranteed season in the future, is certainly questionable. Bears fans, and the national media, will certainly change their tune if Chicago takes a big leap forward this fall. Related: Bears lock up general manager Ryan Poles for 5 more years Related: 10 greatest Chicago Bears teams of all time
Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Falcons' Chris Lindstrom voted top interior offensive lineman by AP
Chris Lindstrom has spent much of his six-year career under the radar playing for an Atlanta team that hasn't made the postseason since 2017. But Lindstrom's play deserves much more attention as his ability to create holes in the run game and protect the passer is a key part to Atlanta's offensive production. Lindstrom has been the top-graded guard by Pro Football Focus for three straight seasons and has won the honor of being voted the top interior offensive lineman in the league by The Associated Press. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players among guards and centers, basing selections on current status entering the 2025 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points. Lindstrom got three first place-votes, two seconds and one third to beat out Joe Thuney for the top spot. Thuney, who was traded from Kansas City to Chicago this offseason, got two first-place votes, one second, three thirds and one fourth to finish second. Kansas City center Creed Humphrey got two first-place votes and finished third and Denver's Quinn Meinerz got the other first-place vote and came in fourth. Indianapolis' Quenton Nelson rounded out the top five. Baltimore Tyler Linderbaum, Philadelphia's Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, Baltimore's Daniel Faalele and recently retired former Detroit center Frank Ragnow also received votes. 1. CHRIS LINDSTROM, Atlanta Falcons Lindstrom has allowed just three sacks and 37 pressures on true pass sets the past three seasons, according to PFF, and has been a steady presence on Atlanta's offense. But Lindstrom really shines at run blocking when his ability to get in space on zone runs has helped fuel Bijan Robinson's success. 2. JOE THUNEY, Chicago Bears Thuney has been one of the top guards in the league ever since being drafted by New England in 2016. He has been a first-team All-Pro the past two seasons in Kansas City and helped the Chiefs and Patriots reach the Super Bowl six times in his nine seasons. Thuney was forced to move out to tackle late last season for Kansas City, but will be back at guard as a key piece in Chicago following on offseason trade. 3. CREED HUMPHREY, Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs were willing to part with Thuney in part because they were strong at the other interior spots led by Humphrey at center. Humphrey has taken the mantle from Jason Kelce as the top center in the league and made first-team All-Pro for the first time last season. Humphrey hasn't missed a game in four seasons and excels at both run and pass blocking. 4. QUINN MEINERZ, Denver Broncos Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. After being drafted in the third round from Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021, Meinerz has made steady progress each season and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2024 to get on this list. Meinerz allowed just 12 pressures last season, according to PFF, and is a violent blocker in the run game. 5. QUENTON NELSON, Indianapolis Colts Nelson's play has dropped a little in recent years but the 29-year-old is still one of the top guards in the league. He was an All-Pro his first three seasons after being drafted sixth overall in 2018 and earned second-team All-Pro honors for the second time in his career last season. Nelson has made the Pro Bowl all seven seasons. ___ AP NFL:
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Falcons' Chris Lindstrom voted top interior offensive lineman by AP
Chris Lindstrom has spent much of his six-year career under the radar playing for an Atlanta team that hasn't made the postseason since 2017. But Lindstrom's play deserves much more attention as his ability to create holes in the run game and protect the passer is a key part to Atlanta's offensive production. Lindstrom has been the top-graded guard by Pro Football Focus for three straight seasons and has won the honor of being voted the top interior offensive lineman in the league by The Associated Press. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players among guards and centers, basing selections on current status entering the 2025 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points. Lindstrom got three first place-votes, two seconds and one third to beat out Joe Thuney for the top spot. Thuney, who was traded from Kansas City to Chicago this offseason , got two first-place votes, one second, three thirds and one fourth to finish second. Kansas City center Creed Humphrey got two first-place votes and finished third and Denver's Quinn Meinerz got the other first-place vote and came in fourth. Indianapolis' Quenton Nelson rounded out the top five. Baltimore Tyler Linderbaum, Philadelphia's Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, Baltimore's Daniel Faalele and recently retired former Detroit center Frank Ragnow also received votes. 1. CHRIS LINDSTROM, Atlanta Falcons Lindstrom has allowed just three sacks and 37 pressures on true pass sets the past three seasons, according to PFF, and has been a steady presence on Atlanta's offense. But Lindstrom really shines at run blocking when his ability to get in space on zone runs has helped fuel Bijan Robinson's success. 2. JOE THUNEY, Chicago Bears Thuney has been one of the top guards in the league ever since being drafted by New England in 2016. He has been a first-team All-Pro the past two seasons in Kansas City and helped the Chiefs and Patriots reach the Super Bowl six times in his nine seasons. Thuney was forced to move out to tackle late last season for Kansas City, but will be back at guard as a key piece in Chicago following on offseason trade. 3. CREED HUMPHREY, Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs were willing to part with Thuney in part because they were strong at the other interior spots led by Humphrey at center. Humphrey has taken the mantle from Jason Kelce as the top center in the league and made first-team All-Pro for the first time last season. Humphrey hasn't missed a game in four seasons and excels at both run and pass blocking. 4. QUINN MEINERZ, Denver Broncos After being drafted in the third round from Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021, Meinerz has made steady progress each season and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2024 to get on this list. Meinerz allowed just 12 pressures last season, according to PFF, and is a violent blocker in the run game. 5. QUENTON NELSON, Indianapolis Colts Nelson's play has dropped a little in recent years but the 29-year-old is still one of the top guards in the league. He was an All-Pro his first three seasons after being drafted sixth overall in 2018 and earned second-team All-Pro honors for the second time in his career last season. Nelson has made the Pro Bowl all seven seasons. ___ AP NFL:
