Chiefs Kingdom was taken aback by the surprising news on Wednesday that Kansas City had decided to deal Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a 2026 fourth-round selection. The reactions were strong on social media and the widespread feelings were the same on multiple levels—shock at the news of the trade and love for what Thuney brought to Arrowhead for the last four seasons.

The Chiefs decided to trade Thuney this offseason in an attempt to get younger while staying flexible financially along the offensive line. The Chiefs already committed big money to Creed Humphrey at center for the long-term and made the decision to tag Trey Smith as well this spring. The team is reportedly trying to get an extension done with Smith this year, which means the team simply could not afford to have three big-money players inside (not to mention the $20 million in average annual value due Jawaan Taylor).

A shakeup was expected along the offensive front to some degree, but all attention was primarily on the void at left tackle, which Thuney helped to fill in 2024, along with the uncertainty of Smith’s status. Now that reordering has been taken to another level entirely with the trade of Thuney.

Plenty of former Kansas City Chiefs linemen were among those showing not only shock at the initial news but stating their incredible respect and admiration for Thuney’s body of work and contributions to the team’s success over the last few seasons.

Kyle Long could speak from both sides of the deal as a former member of the Bears and Chiefs.

Former Chiefs right tackle Mitchell Schwartz stated his preference about Thuney’s potential replacement, a concern shared by most of Chiefs Kingdom.

Fans for the Bears were ecstatic on social media, while Chiefs fans were (mostly) either confused or sad or both. At the very least, Thuney should feel well-loved as he scrolls his phone in the aftermath.

Peter Schrager summed it all up best with his response on social media.