RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesThe Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they're looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it's a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
Next up at No. 2 is left guard Joe Thuney, who was Chicago's biggest addition (outside of Ben Johnson) last offseason. Thuney proved that he's still one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL at 33, and he'll once again be key to the Bears' offensive success in 2026.
Background
Position: Left guard
Age: 33
Experience: 11th season
2026 cap hit: $21.5 million
2025 recap
Looking back, the fact that Bears were able to land Thuney for just a fourth-round pick was an absolute steal given his contributions and importance to the offense's success. He was part of a complete overhaul on the interior offensive line, along with center Drew Dalman and right guard Jonah Jackson. Thuney anchored an offensive line that proved to be one of the best in the NFL, paving the way for Chicago's third-best rushing attack and allowing the second-fewest sacks (25) in the NFL. He also showed his versatility when he had to step in at left tackle for the team's divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. In 17 games, Thuney allowed zero sacks, one hit and 15 pressures and was only penalized twice. He played 1,149 offensive snaps, the second-most of any guard in the league, per Pro Football Focus. Thuney was named First-Team All-Pro, earned a Pro Bowl nod and was named the NFL's inaugural Protector of the Year award winner.
Importance in 2026
Thuney is coming off another All-Pro season where he was the anchor of the Bears' offensive line, and he'll once again serve as the key cog in the trenches protecting Williams. While his cap hit will increase to $21.5 million over the next two years, he's worth every penny given the stability and flexibility he brings to the offensive line. While left tackle is the one gaping hole along the offensive line, Thuney will not be in contention to kick outside to tackle after doing so in the divisional playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. While Thuney isn't the long-term answer at left guard, he's the perfect player to hold down the fort in the trenches with Chicago's Super Bowl window opened. Thuney will also be reunited with former college teammate Garrett Bradbury, who was acquired to place a retired Drew Dalman at center this offseason, so that connection will be key.
Big Question: How much longer can Thuney play at this level?
Thuney might be on the older side at 33, but he showed last season that he's still playing at an extremely high level that earned him All-Pro, Pro Bowl and Protector of the Year honors. When the Bears acquired Thuney last offseason, it wasn't a long-term solution to the position. Which begs the question: How much longer can Chicago rely on Thuney at left guard? Thuney is under contract through the 2027 season, and the hope is the Bears can rely on him for another two years. The bigger question is probably who succeeds Thuney, and there are options on the roster. Whether it's Jordan McFadden, who played left guard in Thuney's place in the divisional playoffs when he moved to left tackle, or some younger players like Luke Newman or undrafted rookie Caden Barnett. But, for now, Chicago will be happy to continue to roll with Thuney for as long as he has gas left in the tank.
30 Most Important Bears of 2026
#30 - QB Tyson Bagent #29 - TE Sam Roush #28 - CB Josh Blackwell #27 - CB Malik Muhammad #26 - DE Dayo Odeyingbo #25 - LB T.J. Edwards #24 - TE Cole Kmet #23 - S Dillon Thieneman #22 - WR Kalif Raymond #21 - CB Tyrique Stevenson #20 - K Cairo Santos #19 - RB Kyle Monangai #18 - CB Kyler Gordon #17 - DE Austin Booker #16 - C Garrett Bradbury #15 - LB Devin Bush #14 - DT Gervon Dexter #13 - RB D'Andre Swift #12 - LT Braxton Jones #11 - S Coby Bryant #10 - CB Jaylon Johnson #9 - WR Rome Odunze #8 - WR Luther Burden III #7 - RG Jonah Jackson #6 - DT Grady Jarrett #5 - DE Montez Sweat #4 - RT Darnell Wright #3 - TE Colston Loveland #2 - LG Joe Thuney #1 - Coming 7/28
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Joe Thuney (No. 2)
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