Joe Thuney’s Protector of the Year Award Caps Off a Trade That Worked for Both the Bears and Chiefs
Joe Thuney has long been known as one of the NFL’s most technically sound and reliable offensive linemen. On Thursday night, he got the kind of individual recognition that players in the trenches rarely receive-he was named the NFL’s first-ever Protector of the Year at the league’s annual honors ceremony. And while the trophy may have his name on it, there’s no question the Chicago Bears front office is celebrating right alongside him.
Thuney beat out a strong group of fellow linemen-his former teammate Creed Humphrey, Miami’s Aaron Brewer, Detroit’s Penei Sewell, and Denver’s Quinn Meinerz and Garrett Bolles-for the inaugural honor. But what this award really does is shine a spotlight on a trade that, nearly a year later, looks like a win-win for both the Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Let’s rewind to how this all came together.
Chiefs Make a Calculated Shift
When the 2025 offseason began, Kansas City was staring down some tough financial decisions. The league’s salary cap had jumped more than expected, throwing a wrench into what was already a tight budget. With Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith heading into free agency, the Chiefs slapped the franchise tag on him-just as they had done the year before with L’Jarius Sneed before trading him.
At that point, it looked like Smith might be the next tag-and-trade candidate. But once the new cap number came in, GM Brett Veach pivoted. Instead of moving Smith, the Chiefs decided to lock in their young interior duo of Smith and center Creed Humphrey for the long haul.
That meant making a tough call on Thuney.
Despite being one of the league’s best pass protectors and a steady veteran presence, Thuney’s contract was the obvious target if the Chiefs wanted to free up space. So they made the move-dealing Thuney to Chicago and turning the page toward a younger, cost-controlled offensive line anchored by Smith, Humphrey, and promising talents like Kingsley Suamataia and Josh Simmons.
Bears Get Their Anchor
For the Bears, the timing couldn’t have been better. Coming off a season where their offensive line allowed the most sacks in the league, GM Ryan Poles knew he had to overhaul the unit if the team was going to protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and give new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson a fair shot at implementing his system.
Poles got to work. He brought in Drew Dalman at center.
Jonah Jackson was added to shore up the right guard spot. But the keystone of the rebuild-the move that’s still being praised during Super Bowl week-was the acquisition of Thuney.
With Thuney in the fold, the Bears’ offensive line transformed from a liability into a strength. Williams had the time he needed to operate, and the result was a leap from five wins to eleven-and a legitimate playoff push. The rookie QB dazzled, but it was the protection up front that allowed those highlight-reel plays to happen in the first place.
And the price for all this? A 2026 fourth-round pick.
That’s it. A Day 3 selection a full year into the future.
A Rare Trade That Paid Off on Both Sides
Now, it’s fair to wonder why the Chiefs didn’t get more for a player who had just earned his second straight first-team All-Pro nod. But the reality is, if there had been a better offer out there, Kansas City likely would’ve taken it. Instead, they used that fourth-rounder as part of a package to move up in the 2025 draft and select cornerback Nohl Williams-who had a solid rookie year and looks like a long-term piece in the secondary.
So yes, the Chiefs essentially flipped Thuney for cap space and a starting corner, while doubling down on their young offensive core. It’s not flashy, but it’s strategic-exactly the kind of chess move we’ve come to expect from Veach.
Meanwhile, the Bears got the kind of stabilizing veteran presence that teams dream of when building around a young quarterback. Thuney didn’t just play well-he elevated the entire unit, helped change the identity of the offense, and now has a shiny new award to show for it.
A Legacy Still in Progress
At 33, Thuney may not have the résumé that screams first-ballot Hall of Famer. His accolades came later in his career, and offensive linemen often struggle to get the spotlight they deserve. But he now owns four Super Bowl rings, four straight Pro Bowl nods, and the distinction of being the NFL’s first-ever Protector of the Year.
That matters.
It’s a recognition of his elite play, his consistency, and his leadership. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful moves don’t come with blockbuster headlines-they come with results on the field.
For the Bears, Thuney has been everything they hoped for and more. For the Chiefs, the move cleared the way for a new era up front and added a promising defender on the back end.
A rare trade that worked for both sides-and one that might just shape the next few seasons for two franchises heading in very different directions.