Scratch one merchandise off what could possibly be a prolonged offseason to-do listing for the Chicago Bears: signal a kicker.
That’s now not wanted because the group on Saturday agreed to a four-year, $16 million contract extension — $9.5 million assured — with Cairo Santos, in keeping with a league supply, rewarding him for one more season of high-level consistency.
It’s not the contract for an current participant everybody might be targeted on. The standing of cornerback Jaylon Johnson might be a urgent problem within the early portion of the offseason. But for a group that was bounced out of the playoffs after the 2018 season on a double-doink, the importance of getting a confirmed performer in Santos can’t be overstated.
Entering Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field, Santos has made 27 of 29 field-goal makes an attempt this season, together with 6-for-6 from 50 yards or extra. He’s at 91.2% since rejoining the group in 2020 after Eddy Piñeiro was injured throughout coaching camp.
Santos has surpassed longtime standout Robbie Gould as probably the most correct kicker in group historical past.
Santos, 32, had three video games remaining on a three-year, $9 million contract signed by the group’s former entrance workplace. The Bears have been by no means going to make use of the franchise tag on Santos however wanted to get one thing carried out to stop him from turning into an unrestricted free agent.
He was named the NFC particular groups participant of the month in November and has been simpler on kickoffs this season with deeper kicks and extra touchbacks.
As difficult as Soldier Field could be for specialists with the wind, Santos offers the Bears an edge. In dwelling video games since 2020, he’s 44 of 48 on field-goal makes an attempt whereas the opposition is 49 of 59.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com