Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs made a shocking move: trading veteran guard Joe Thuney -- named first-team All Pro in the last two seasons -- to the Chicago Bears. The move netted the Chiefs only a 2026 fourth-round draft selection, but immediately opened $16 million in salary-cap space.
Over the weekend, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid appeared on "The Bettor Angle" podcast with Cam Smith and Clay Harbor on The BetMGM Network. Harbor -- a former NFL tight end -- played for Reid from 2010-12 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Although the coach is well seasoned in the business side of the NFL, Reid lamented losing Thuney from his squad.
"He's one of my favorite all time guys that I've coached," Reid declared. "He's just a good dude -- tough, dirty tough. He's going to do Chicago a heck of a job. He still can play."
As the start of the league year approaches on Wednesday, Reid confirmed that salary cap considerations played a role in the decision. After several moves -- including seeing fellow guard Trey Smith sign a $23.4 million franchise tag tender and reportedly guaranteeing $21.2 million on a two-year contract for tackle Jaylon Moore -- Kansas City is now over $30 million above the limit.
"You've got to be able to manage this cap thing -- and it's a nightmare that way," the coach explained. "If you're not going to push a ton of money forward, then you've got to manage the cap and try to keep consistent with this whole winning thing.
"And it's not easy to manage. Sometimes, you have to make these decisions, and it just kicks you right in the butt. They're tough ones. They're just tough."
While acknowledging the risk of the move, Reid cited second-year pro Kingsley Suamataia as a possibility to replace Thuney. He also mentioned Mike Caliendo, who started at left guard late in the season and in the playoffs as Thuney kicked outside to left tackle.