Many Chiefs fans were caught off guard when the team traded longtime starter Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears to start the offseason.

Thuney was entering the final year of his deal, and a decision had to be made by the front office at some point, but trading one of your best players for a fourth-round pick wasn’t something many in Kansas City were expecting.

It also caught Thuney by surprise. In his first remarks since joining the Bears, the 32-year-old offensive lineman said that everything happened so fast, calling it a “whirlwind”.

While adding that he knew what he signed up for and this is all part of being in the NFL, Thuney sounded like he was still processing the move.

Per Adam Jahns of The Athletic, however, Thuney had nothing but positive things to say about Kansas City and the Chiefs organization.

Joe Thuney on if he was given options by the Chiefs on trade destinations:

“It all happened so fast, but I’m so fortunate to be here.” pic.twitter.com/CLP3mUd4to

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) March 12, 2025
Joe Thuney Gives First Remarks Since Chiefs Trade

In his introductory press conference alongside fellow offensive lineman acquisition Jonah Jackson and key free agent signing Grady Jarrett, the former Chiefs standout said that he loves Kansas City but “it just is what it is”.

He added that he appreciated the love and support he got from the fans and teammates ever since the trade.

“I love KC and it was great, but it just is what it is. All I can do now is focus on today and here and Chicago and trying to be the best teammate I can be here.

And I had a lot of great messages from K.C., great, positive things. It was obviously nice to hear from a lot of people, but just ready to get going here. “

Joe Thuney

The bright side for Thuney is the fact that he is now more likely to get a lucrative, multi-year contract extension.

He has one year remaining on his deal, and the Bears, after trading for him, should be presumably interested in locking him down for a long time.

If the Pro Bowler can maintain his level of play from his Chiefs days, the Bears will be very happy with the increased protection for Caleb Williams.