Bear Digest

Bears send strong warning to Cairo Santos by signing veteran kicker

After Cairo Santos missed a key field goal in Week 1, the Bears are sending him a message by signing Jake Moody to their practice squad.
Richie Whitt|
49ers kicker Jake Moody (4) makes a field goal during the second quarter against the Bears in 2024
49ers kicker Jake Moody (4) makes a field goal during the second quarter against the Bears in 2024 | Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

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Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are on the verge of having themselves a kicker emergency. Just in case, they have secured an insurance policy.

After watching Cairo Santos miss a key 50-yard field goal in the the fourth quarter to launch last Sunday night's collapse against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears on Friday morning signed veteran and recently released San Francisco 49ers' kicker Jake Moody to the practice squad.

In case Bears' fans need reminding how important kickers can be, does 2018's "double-doink" in the playoffs by Cody Parkey ring a bell? And the Buffalo Bills just got a game-winner from 41-year-old Matt Prater, who was signed four days before the game.

MORE: Packers' hot start adds urgency to Bears' 'must-win' Sunday at Lions

It's never a bad time to sign a good kicker, and Santos has opened the door with his start to the season. In his 13th season, the 34-year-old missed his 50-yarder wide right on the first play of the first quarter against the Vikings. The kick would've pushed Chicago's lead to 20-6. Instead, it sparked Minnesota's comeback.

There was a time when kickers wouldn't be blamed for missing a 50-yarder, but in this era of 60-yarders being made regularly the Bears need a better, stronger leg. Santos' career-long is only 55.

Moody, 25, was cut loose by San Francisco after a disastrous opener in Seattle in which he hooked a chip-shot 27-yard field goal and had a 36-yard attempt blocked. The Niners won the game, but let Moody guy and signed kicker Eddy Piñeiro to replace him.

MORE: Reported Bears Jake Moody signing gives Cairo Santos something to ponder

Moody was the first kicker selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Michigan alum made 21 of 25 field goals as a rookie but struggle last season, missing half of his kicks (10 of 20) from 40+ yards.

The Bears will likely trot out Santos to try kicks in Sunday's crucial game at Detroit. But the message is sent. And the emergency insurance policy is in place.

Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a field goal against the Vikings last Sunday night.
Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a field goal against the Vikings last Sunday night. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

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