The 2025 NFL offseason has seen a lot of money handed out to veteran players. The New England Patriots played a big role in this year's spring splurging, which includes handing out big-money contracts to the likes of defensive lineman Milton Williams ($104 million), wideout Stefon Diggs ($63.5 million), and cornerback Carlton Davis ($54 million).
The offseason has also seen several ex-Patriots landing hefty contracts, including one of the franchise's former champions who didn't waste time signing an extension with his new team.
Former Patriots OL Joe Thuney Signs 2-Year Extension With Bears
On Tuesday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Chicago Bears have signed veteran offensive guard Joe Thuney to a two-year, $35 million extension. Combined with the final year of his previous contract, the ex-Patriots blocker will "make $51 million for the next three years with $33.5 million fully guaranteed," per Rapoport.
Thuney's extension announcement comes just over two months after he was traded to the Windy City. The Bears acquired the former NC State blocker from the Kansas City Chiefs in March, shipping a 2026 fourth-round pick back in the other direction. Clearly, Chicago liked what it saw from Thuney before he even touched the field.
Having turned 32 in November, Thuney is set to enter his 10th NFL campaign since being drafted by the Patriots nearly a decade ago. The Centerville, OH native started in all 80 of his regular-season appearances in a New England uniform, as well as 10 postseason outings, earning second-team All-Pro honors plus two Super Bowl rings along the way.
Thuney's time with the Patriots ended when he signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Chiefs during the 2021 offseason. He made 77 starts with the Chiefs between the regular season and playoffs over the last four years, culminating in two Super Bowl wins, three Pro Bowl appearances, and a pair of first-team All-Pro nods. He also finished eighth or better among OGs in terms of Pro Football Focus grading in each of those seasons.
In other words, Thuney has proven to be worth every penny of his new contract, even if he hasn't played a game for the Bears yet.
The Patriots won't be facing the Bears next season, meaning Pats fans will have to wait a bit longer to be reunited with Thuney. However, if his upcoming performance is anything like what he's recently shown, the former New England OL will finish 2025 as one of the NFL's top blockers yet again.