2025 NFL free agency: “He’s one of my favorite all-time guys that I’ve coached but you gotta manage the cap”

In the chaos of 2025 NFL free agency, the Chiefs are about to lose one of their most reliable players, even if he technically remains on the roster for now. Joe Thuney, the rock-solid left guard who’s been anchoring Kansas City’s offensive line since 2021, is headed to the Chicago Bears – a trade that will become official this Wednesday.

If you’re wondering why a team that lives and dies by protecting Patrick Mahomes would give up arguably its best pass-blocking lineman, the answer is as simple (and frustrating) as three letters: C.A.P.

Why Chiefs are trading Thuney

During an appearance on The Bettor Angle podcast with Clay Harbor, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn’t hold back about how difficult it was to move Thuney, a player who’s been both a leader on and off the field. But, as Reid put it bluntly, “You gotta be able to manage this cap thing. It’s a nightmare.”

Listen to the great man himself.

Thuney’s contract has loomed large over Kansas City’s books for a while, but in 2025 his $16 million cap hit became a number too big to ignore. Once the trade processes, the full amount comes off the books, giving the Chiefs some much-needed breathing room as they aim to keep the rest of their core intact.

Still, Reid made it clear this wasn’t a decision the team took lightly. “He’s one of my favorite all-time guys that I’ve coached,” Reid said. “You know that human part of it. You’re around him, and he’s just a good dude. I mean, just all-around a good dude. Tough – dirty, dirty tough.”

What’s next for Kansas City’s offensive line?

Reid tried to calm concerns about who will protect Mahomes’ blind side next season, mentioning Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia as in-house options to step up at left guard. Still, replacing Thuney’s consistency and “dirty” toughness won’t be easy, and Reid didn’t sugarcoat that either.

But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Thuney himself apparently wanted Chicago as his next stop, should he have to leave Kansas City. Reid said, “He’s going to do Chicago just heck of a job. I mean, he still can play.”

That last line might sting a little for Chiefs fans – because a guy who “still can play” is exactly the kind of guy you want in front of your quarterback.

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