The cost for an All-Pro starter at guard this offseason was a future fourth-round pick and a healthy amount of cap space. As it turns out, the Chicago Bears were the ones willing to pay such a price to the Kansas City Chiefs for Joe Thuney.

As it turns out, at least one other franchise was in the bidding but unwilling to meet the price.

The New England Patriots checked in with the Chiefs about Thuney’s availability, which is not a surprise, given the tremendous offensive line concerns in front of Drake Maye.

However, the Pats were unwilling to give up the 2026 draft pick and the Bears won out.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated found out about the Patriots’ failed attempt to trade for Thuney on a recent appearance on Boston Sports Tonight.

As it turns out there were multiple suitors for Joe Thuney’s services.

“They talked to the Chiefs about Joe Thuney, obviously they wouldn’t meet their price, which seems a little crazy given their offensive line issues, and the fact that this is a future fourth-round pick.

I would have some questions if it was this year’s fourth-round pick because they’ve only got eight picks and a ton of roster needs to take care of and they need to draft well, and need that margin for error.

But I am a little surprised they weren’t willing to go to that price,” said Breer, per NBC Sports.

Thuney, of course, began his career with the Patriots as the team’s third-round choice in the 2016 NFL Draft at No. 78 overall out of N.C. State.

Thuney was an instant starter at left guard for the Pats in front of Tom Brady and went on to play five seasons with the organization.

He was named a second-team All-Pro for the first time in 2019 with the franchise and also won his first ring against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

Thuney came to the Chiefs before the 2021 season as part of an overhaul to the team’s offensive line and helped the Chiefs win two more Super Bowl titles (and reach a third).

He started 66 games for the Chiefs and was one of the team’s most valuable players during their run as a dynasty.

Now Caleb Williams will get to enjoy the benefits of having Thuney anchor the line in front of him for the foreseeable future. Patriots fans can only “what if?” for not only the joys of seeing Thuney back in uniform but for what it might have meant to a talented young arm like Maye.