Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs made the polarizing decision to trade 2-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears.

After four strong seasons in Kansas City, Thuney is now a Bear. But, after his new contract details surfaced with the Bears, there is a world where he ends up returning to the Chiefs.

Thuney ended up on a new 3-year deal worth $51 million, but the details show that the Bears have an out after the 2026 season.

Joe Thuney could end up back with the Chiefs if a few stars aligned

After playing the 2025 and 2026 seasons in Chicago, Thuney could wind up being a cut candidate. Of course, that depends on whether or not his performance declines.

But, if the Bears were to cut ties with Thuney after two years, they end up saving $5 million in the process.

We all know just how good Thuney is, but the Bears have been mostly a train wreck for a while now. It wouldn’t be surprising to anybody to see Chicago stay stuck in their mediocrity and, in that process, watch Thuney slip a little bit.

Following the 2026 campaign, Thuney will be 34 years old. There is a good chance he’s slowed down a little bit, by then.

But, if the Chiefs happen to have a need at guard, a reuinion might not be out of the realm of possibilities. After all, even if Thuney has taken a step back, if any offense can help him blend in or return to success, it’s in front of Patrick Mahomes.

Speaking of Mahomes, his most recent contract revision essentially gave him a raise from 2023-2026, so if the Chiefs happen to be in the market for another revision, they could be looking for budget-friendly starters at positions of need.

Again, if it’s at guard, then Thuney might just be an option by then.