Joe Thuney was recently named the best offensive lineman in the NFL according to a list released by Sports Illustrated. Thuney being named the NFL's best lineman proves what most NFL fans already knew: that Joe Thuney sits atop the list of active NFL Lineman. From Tom Brady down, the prowess of Thuney is a well known commodity for any team that he decides to play for.
Thuney was brought in to protect Caleb Williams, and his presence had an immediate impact on the young star quarterback. There's something to be said about an offensive line that allowed their quarterback to be sacked 68 times in 2024, and then dropped that number to only 24 in 2025. We can't afford all of the credit to Thuney, but his impact was deep and needed.
Thuney continues to set the standard
Thuney won the first ever Protector of the Year award, an award specifically set up to acknowledge those with Thuney's wonderful skill set. Nobody could have predicted the success ahead of Thuney when the Patriots selected him in the third round back in 2016, but his career accolades speak for themselves. Thuney collected four separated Super Bowl titles while protecting two of the greatest quarterbacks in the game in Tom Brady and Pat Mahomes.
Since his arrival in Chicago, the confidence of the offensive line has been boosted thanks in part to Thuney and various other names like Darnell Wright, who was also listed on Sports Illustrated's list of top ten offensive lineman. Between Thuney, Wright, and newer names such as Ozzy Trapilo, the Bears finally have an offensive line that they can not only be proud of, but one they can have the confidence to field and not worry that their star investment isn't going to get drilled into the ground.
Thuney signed a three year deal with the Bears that expires following the 2027 season. His arrival in Chicago at the same time as Ben Johnson was no coincidence, nor was the significant improvement seen from the team. But Thuney's impact goes well beyond any individual play.
His presence is felt with every offensive snap, whether he's on the field or not. Having the top lineman in the NFL raises the bar for the entire team, and that's a good thing. It brings a certain amount of expectation to be great, and that's exactly what I would want my team to be aiming for.
Joe Thuney may be the NFL's best offensive lineman on paper, but his greatest value comes from elevating everyone around him. If the Bears are finally ready to take the next step, it will begin with the standard Thuney has already established.
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