Bears' newly-paid OL Joe Thuney now has the chance to make NFL history while protecting Caleb Williams based on new league change

After landing the back-to-back first-team All-Pro honors and three straight Pro Bowl selections, the Bears brought in one of the best offensive lineman this organization has had in years. Locking him in for the next three seasons to help keep the interior of the front intact is just icing on the cake.

"We are looking forward to Joe being a member of the Chicago Bears for the years ahead," general manager Ryan Poles said via the team's official statement. "Joe's leadership and experience have already positively impacted our organization, and we are fortunate that he will continue to lead our team, on and off the field."

It's clear Thuney is going to be the heart of this offensive line and a lead-by-example player for the entire unit. He has years of championship-level play while lining up for two of the best dynasties the league has ever seen.

Thuney aims to bring the same level of play to Chicago in hopes of creating the same level of success for the organization. If he's able to do so while protecting for quarterback Caleb Williams, he should be an easy candidate for a new NFL award.

Earlier today, the league approved the Protector of the Year Award, that will be given to the league's best offensive linemen at the end of each season.

Thuney's talents and high-level of play should immediately put him in the running for the award. According to Pro Football Focus, Thuney has earned an 80+ pass blocking grade in six of his eight seasons played. 

Being able to have that kind of strong season protecting Williams, who led the NFL in sacks taken in 2024, should easily be enough to put Thuney's name on the ballot.

And becoming the NFL's first-ever Protector of the Year would get yet another accolade to add to his already impressive resume.