Bears going all out to protect their most important player

Offensive line protection was a massive problem for the Bears last season, as Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times as a rookie.

Thuney is entering the final year of his current deal and expected to sign a contract extension with the Bears.

The 32-year-old two-time All-Pro was instrumental in the Chiefs' run the past few years. He showed his versatility this past season, shifting to left tackle late in the season as Kansas City advanced to its third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.

Jackson, a 2020 third-round pick, spent one season in Los Angeles after signing a three-year, $51M deal with the Rams last offseason.

The 28-year-old guard will be re-united with head coach Ben Johnson, Detroit's offensive coordinator from 2021-2024. In his first two seasons in Detroit, Jackson started 32 of 33 games at right guard.

Per Spotrac, Jackson has $18M remaining in base salary and $8.5M guaranteed over the next two years, including no guaranteed money in 2026.

If Jackson doesn't meet the team's standards in 2025, Chicago can release the guard in 2026, saving $9M in cap space while eating $2.83M in dead-cap money. So this is a low-risk, high-reward transaction.

Chicago could use its first-round pick (No. 10 overall) on an offensive tackle, but these two acquisitions open the door to possibly drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Left tackle may still be the desired position at that selection, but now the Bears can have conversations about potentially adding more firepower to the rushing attack.

Free agency is another route Chicago could go in addressing left tackle. Cam Robinson (Vikings) and Ronnie Stanley (Ravens) are impending free agents and possibilities for the Bears. 

Overall, these are fantastic moves by the Bears, signifying Chicago is making Williams' health and protection paramount.