​The Chicago Bears landed a major bargain in All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, who came over from the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Thuney quickly proved to be one of the standout players on the roster, playing a pivotal role in the offense’s dramatic turnaround. He helped anchor one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, powering a league-leading rushing attack and contributing to the team allowing the second-fewest sacks in the league. His impact was a significant factor in the Bears finishing 11-6, capturing the NFC North division title, and advancing past the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. For his outstanding performance in 2025, Thuney earned First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod, in addition to receiving the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award.
Even in the present day, Thuney remains one of the league’s premiere offensive linemen, which is reflected in his ranking among ESPN’s top 10 interior offensive linemen, as determined by votes from NFL coaches and executives. He sits at No. 5 on the list. The season’s discussions among NFL decision-makers highlighted his sustained excellence: “He’s losing a little lateral quickness, but he’s so technically sound and tough and sturdy, and stronger than you’d think, that it doesn’t really matter. He was awesome last year,” one NFC executive noted. Another veteran NFL defensive coach added, “He kicked our ass last year.”
The four interior linemen who ranked ahead of Thuney were, in order: Dallas’ Tyler Smith, Indianapolis’ Quenton Nelson, Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey, and Denver’s Quinn Meinerz. Among coaches and executives, the highest placement Thuney received was No. 1, underscoring the respect he commands across the league. By contrast, right guard Jonah Jackson—who was also part of Chicago’s interior line overhaul last offseason—did not crack the top 10 or earn honorable mentions, though he did receive votes for this ranking.
This evaluation from Bears fans and league observers alike comes as Thuney continues to be viewed as one of the best interior blockers in football. His combination of technique, physicality, and versatility keeps him in the upper echelon of NFL linemen, and his presence helps explain Chicago’s sustained offensive success. For Bears supporters, Thuney’s offseason acquisition proved prescient, providing stability and star-level play at a position crucial to both the run game and pass protection.
As the league continues to assess offensive line talent, Thuney’s standing among interior linemen remains a talking point. He is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Chicago’s front five, and his continued production will likely shape how the Bears approach the trenches in the coming seasons. In sum, Joe Thuney’s addition was more than a veteran upgrade; it was a strategic move that paid immediate dividends and elevated the unit into one of the league’s elite fronts.
This content originates from Bears Wire, reflecting Thuney’s ranking among the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL according to feedback from coaches and executives.