Bears Add Joe Thuney, Upgrade Offensive Line Ahead of Free Agency

The Chicago Bears have made significant moves to bolster their offensive line ahead of the new NFL season, trading for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs and Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams. Both trades, set to be finalized when the new league year begins on March 12, are aimed at addressing the team's struggles, particularly the alarming 68 sacks suffered by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams last season. Thuney, a three-time Pro Bowl player, is praised for his consistency and adaptability, while Jackson is noted for his potential impact as well. These aggressive acquisitions signal a clear mandate from the Bears' front office and new coach Ben Johnson to immediately improve the offensive line, which has been a longstanding issue for the franchise. Analysts highlight that the Bears' strategy to trade for established players rather than relying solely on free agency reflects a need to build a competitive team around Williams. The urgency for these changes stems from the franchise's goal to provide the necessary support for their first-round quarterback and improve overall team performance.