KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After franchise tagging guard Trey Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs front office continues to make moves along the offensive, reportedly sending All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a future draft pick.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Chiefs are sending the versatile lineman to Chicago in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and NFL Network’s Ian Raporport are also reporting the deal.
Thuney was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and 2024 after signing a five-year, $80 million contract with Kansas City in 2021. He helped the Chiefs win Super Bowls in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and was instrumental in shoring up an offensive line that struggled last season when he moved to left tackle, putting Kansas City in a position to three-peat before they lost Super Bowl 59 to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sportrac shows Thuney’s 2025 cap hit is $16 million, the move frees up space for Kansas City ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft. Chicago is reportedly also going to give Thuney an extension, the Chiefs would have been challenged to do the same after tagging Smith.
The Chiefs hold all picks in rounds one through seven for the 2026 draft, and add a fourth with this trade. They hold eight going into the 2025 draft, including two third round picks following their first and second selections.
