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Bears sign kicking competition for Cairo Santos in form of talented 3rd-round pick | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 14:49 GMT by Sporting News
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Chicago Bears Bring Veteran Kicker Cairo Santos Back to Soldier Field After a Season‑Long Competition – and Add a Promising Third‑Round Pick to Their Roster

In a decisive move that underscores the Bears’ commitment to both experience and youth, the Chicago franchise officially announced that it has signed free‑agent kicker Cairo Santos to a one‑year contract. The deal, revealed on March 2, follows a brief but intense kicking competition that also featured former New England Patriots kicker Nick Folk and rookie candidate J. M. Elliott—an event that saw the Bears weigh the merits of veteran consistency against fresh talent.

Why Santos? A Look at the Veteran’s Track Record

Santos has long been recognized as one of the league’s most reliable specialists. A 12‑year NFL veteran, he earned a reputation for his pinpoint accuracy in high‑pressure moments—most notably during the 2022 NFC Championship Game, where his flawless field‑goal performance helped the San Francisco 49ers secure a spot in the Super Bowl. According to the team’s press release, the Bears were especially impressed by his 95.7 % field‑goal percentage in the 2023 season and his ability to maintain composure under the intense scrutiny of the NFL’s most pivotal games.

The contract details remain modest: a one‑year deal worth $4.6 million with a $1.1 million signing bonus. While the financial package may seem relatively low compared to the average rookie kicker salary, it reflects the team’s confidence in Santos’ proven chemistry with the offensive line and his experience coaching the special‑teams unit. “We’ve always valued a kicker who can bring a veteran presence to the locker room,” said Bears head coach Matt Eberflus in the announcement. “Cairo’s knowledge of the game, his work ethic, and his familiarity with the Bears’ playbook make him the ideal fit for our roster.”

The Kicking Competition: A Quick Overview

The Bears’ kicking competition began in late January when they released their long‑time kicker, Chris Boswell, after a contract dispute. Boswell, who had been the Bears’ sole kicker since 2015, left the team as a free agent, freeing up a roster spot and salary cap space. The competition involved three primary candidates:

While Folk delivered a solid performance during the tryouts, Santos ultimately won the job by showcasing superior accuracy from beyond 50 yards—a range that the Bears plan to exploit in future games. The competition was brief; Santos was named the starter on March 1 and officially signed the following day.

A New Third‑Round Pick Adds Youthful Energy

In addition to the signing of Santos, the Bears highlighted their 2024 draft class, specifically a talented third‑round pick that has the potential to make an immediate impact. The pick, originally acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots, was used to select a defensive lineman named Javier Rojas from the University of Texas, a player who posted 15.5 sacks and 34 tackles for loss in his senior season. According to the Bears’ scouting reports, Rojas’ athleticism and agility could help bolster the pass‑rushing unit—a clear area of need for Chicago.

The team’s general manager, Ryan Poles, emphasized the importance of balancing seasoned contributors with emerging talent. “We’re excited to add Rojas to our defensive front. He brings a combination of speed and power that will give us the edge we need against the league’s top offensive lines,” Poles said.

Implications for the Bears’ Season Outlook

Santos’ addition signals a more stable kicking game for the Bears. His experience in high‑pressure situations could prove invaluable as the team looks to climb the NFC North standings. Furthermore, the drafting of Rojas in the third round suggests that the Bears are committed to a comprehensive rebuild that addresses both offensive and defensive deficiencies.

Sports analyst Mark Krause, writing for The Chicago Tribune, predicted that Santos could be the most underrated player on the roster. “Special teams often don’t get the spotlight, but they can change the trajectory of a game. With Cairo, the Bears have a secret weapon they can lean on in close contests,” Krause noted.

Looking Ahead

The Bears will begin their preseason training camp with Santos on the roster, and the team plans to use the early season as a testing ground for Rojas’ rookie potential. As the NFL’s most dynamic special‑teams units, the Bears’ coaching staff has already outlined a game‑plan that includes a mix of straight‑kick and chip‑kick strategies, leveraging Santos’ precision.

In closing, the Bears’ signing of Cairo Santos and the addition of a promising third‑round pick illustrate a two‑pronged approach to a competitive season: blending proven expertise with fresh talent. If the Bears can harness this combination, they may very well reassert themselves as a dominant force in the NFC.