The Chicago Bears locked down one of its key contributors this week.
Kicker Cairo Santos, who’s hit 27-of-29 field goals this season and 24-of-26 extra point attempts, reportedly signed a four-year, $16 million extension with $9.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
A kicker Christmas present: Bears are signing veteran kicker Cairo Santos to a four-year, $16 million extension that includes $9.5 million guaranteed, per source. It ties him to Chicago through the 2027 season. pic.twitter.com/dKVrsVXAdB
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 23, 2023
Santos’ $4 million average annual salary ranks 14th among kickers and his guaranteed salary ranks fifth, per Over The Cap,
He has spent the past four seasons with the Bears after time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tennessee Titans and previously kicked for the Bears during a portion of the 2017 season before he returned in 2020.
Santos has converted 104-of-114 field goals for the Bears during his most recent four-year stint in Chicago and his 90.5 percent field goal conversation rate in a Bears uniform ranks first in team history among kickers with at least 28 attempts.
His career field goal percentage is 85.5 percent.
The Bears have relied on Santos a lot this season: His four field goals in Week 12 helped Chicago beat the Minnesota Vikings, 12-10, and his three field goals in Week 10 helped the Bears beat the Carolina Panthers, 16-13.
While Chicago hasn’t had the best of seasons, they’ve looked solid lately with three wins in their past five games.
They also own the Panthers’ first-round pick, which could very easily become the No. 1 selection in the spring.
But at the very least, the team doesn’t have to worry about who will be their kicker for the future after Santos signed his deal.
The future of quarterback Justin Fields is a whole other discussion, though.
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