In what can only be described as a jaw-dropping move that shook the NFL world to its core, Chicago Bears’ general manager Ben Johnson orchestrated an unexpected series of signings that has sent ripples of excitement and speculation across the league. In a bold and unexpected move, the Bears, known for their aggressive approach to free agency in recent years, secured two of the top offensive linemen in the NFL: Joe Thuney of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jonah Jackson of the Detroit Lions.
The pair, both long-time stalwarts in their respective franchises, are considered two of the best offensive linemen in the league, and their signings have left many questioning what Johnson’s vision for the future of the Bears truly looks like. It is not every day that a team manages to acquire two Pro Bowl-caliber players from rival franchises, especially in one fell swoop.
Here, we dive deep into the mind of Ben Johnson, explore the ramifications of these signings, and evaluate what they mean for the Bears’ offensive line and their future prospects in the NFC North and beyond.
Ben Johnson’s Bold Strategy: Building Through the Trenches
The Chicago Bears’ offensive line has long been a weak point of the team. Despite efforts over the years to build around quarterback Justin Fields, the lack of protection up front has often been the downfall of the offense, limiting its ability to fully flourish. With a young, talented signal caller in Fields, the team’s brass has been under immense pressure to shore up this key area of need, and Ben Johnson’s acquisition of Thuney and Jackson suggests that he is fully aware of the urgency.
While the Bears’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance under Fields, particularly in the latter half of the 2023 season, their offensive line has remained a glaring issue. Fields, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, has had to rely on his legs more than most, and with an unstable pocket, his development has been held back. This is where Thuney and Jackson come into play.
Both Thuney and Jackson are known for their versatility and ability to protect the quarterback while excelling in the running game. Their skills complement each other in a way that provides the Bears with an offensive line that is capable of both pass protection and creating running lanes. This dual-threat approach in the trenches is something Johnson must have kept in mind when targeting these two players.
By signing these two Pro Bowl offensive linemen, Johnson has made it clear that he intends to build the foundation of the team from the inside out. Protecting Fields and providing him with the time and space to operate will be paramount in the Bears’ efforts to evolve into an elite offense. If they can build a solid line around him, the sky’s the limit for what this offense can achieve, especially with the weapons the team has added in recent years.
Joe Thuney: A Proven Winner
Let’s start with Joe Thuney. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thuney has long been regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen in the NFL. His consistency and elite-level pass protection have made him one of the most sought-after guards in the league, and despite being in his prime, Thuney’s decision to sign with the Bears sent shockwaves through the NFL.
Thuney’s resume speaks for itself. Since being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016, Thuney has been a model of reliability, starting in every game for the Patriots during his first four seasons and eventually helping the team secure two Super Bowl titles. His impact was felt immediately, as he quickly became one of the top guards in the league. After leaving New England and signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, Thuney continued to shine. His ability to protect the quarterback, while also excelling in run-blocking, made him a crucial piece of the Chiefs’ offensive line.
For the Bears, Thuney brings championship pedigree and a high football IQ. He has the leadership qualities necessary to anchor an offensive line, and his experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable for the team’s younger players. Fields will have the luxury of playing behind a lineman who has been through the highest of highs in the NFL and can lend his expertise to help mold the younger Bears offensive line.
What Thuney brings to the table goes beyond just his on-field play. His leadership in the locker room will be crucial as he helps guide the Bears’ young offensive linemen. Having played for both the Patriots and Chiefs, two of the most successful franchises of the last decade, Thuney knows what it takes to win at the highest level. His work ethic and discipline will certainly rub off on the rest of the team.
Jonah Jackson: The Rising Star
Jonah Jackson, on the other hand, may not have the same championship pedigree as Thuney, but his career is trending in the right direction. Since being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2020, Jackson has quickly established himself as one of the premier guards in the league. Known for his physicality, relentless motor, and nasty streak, Jackson has earned a reputation as one of the toughest offensive linemen in the NFL.
Jackson’s impact on the Lions’ offense cannot be overstated. He has been instrumental in helping the team establish a more consistent ground game while also providing solid protection for their quarterbacks. His ability to maul defenders in the running game has made him a fan favorite in Detroit, and his toughness on the field is matched only by his high football IQ.
For the Bears, Jackson’s signing adds a younger, more physically dominant element to the offensive line. His power and aggressive style will be a perfect complement to Thuney’s technique and leadership. With Jackson on the roster, the Bears will have two Pro Bowl-caliber guards who can take over games in both the passing and running game.
While Jackson may not have the same playoff experience as Thuney, his physical gifts and potential are undeniable. He has the ability to be a cornerstone player for the Bears for years to come, and his addition to the roster gives Chicago a dynamic offensive line duo capable of controlling games in the trenches.
The Bro Bowl Connection: How Johnson Made It Happen
For those familiar with the NFL’s inner workings, the acquisition of both Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson was almost unthinkable. Both players were key members of their respective teams, and it is rare for a team to land two All-Pro-caliber linemen in one offseason. What makes this even more surprising is the fact that the Bears were able to pull off these moves without sacrificing significant draft capital or losing key players from their current roster.
How did Ben Johnson manage to pull off such a stunning coup? One explanation could be the rising salary cap space of the Bears. After years of dealing with cap constraints, the team now finds itself in a more favorable financial position, allowing Johnson to make bold moves to address areas of need.
But beyond the numbers, Johnson’s relationship with both players cannot be overlooked. In the NFL, relationships and familiarity often play a huge role in free-agent signings, and Johnson’s history with Thuney and Jackson likely played a pivotal role in making these signings a reality. Johnson’s track record as a GM, coupled with his reputation for identifying high-character, high-talent players, undoubtedly helped sway these two stars to Chicago.
In terms of on-field fit, it’s clear that Thuney and Jackson will complement each other perfectly. The offensive line is often referred to as the “bro line” in many NFL circles, with the players on the line needing to work in unison and develop a strong sense of camaraderie. With two such established, experienced veterans now joining forces, the Bears’ offensive line has the potential to become one of the most dominant in the league.
What Does This Mean for the Bears’ Offense?
The addition of Thuney and Jackson transforms the Chicago Bears’ offensive line into one of the most formidable in the NFL. With Justin Fields under center, the Bears now have the protection they need to allow their quarterback to make plays from the pocket. Moreover, the added stability and strength in the trenches will open up lanes for the running game, which could allow Chicago to become a more balanced and unpredictable offense.
Beyond the offensive line, the signings of Thuney and Jackson send a message to the rest of the league that the Bears are serious about building a winner. Johnson is showing that he is committed to addressing the team’s needs and building a competitive squad capable of contending for championships in the near future.