Chicago Bears: 5 Players who need to make a big impression

Cairo Santos, Kicker

This one might be a surprise for many. Cairo Santos has been almost automatic for the Chicago Bears in the last three years. In his second stint with the Bears, he has hit 90.3 percent of his field goal attempts and 96.9 percent of his extra point attempts.

The problem in the past couple of seasons has been the timing of his misses. He had chances to make field goal attempts to put the team ahead late in games and he missed extra point attempts that could have done the same.

Last season, in addition to missing big field goal attempts he refused to make an attempt. That showed a lack of confidence in his leg. Coaches worry when that happens.

This offseason, the Bears brought in Andre Szmyt. He could just be a training camp body. However, he might have been brought in to give Santos some competition so he gets his competitive juices flowing again. That could be the kick in the pants he needs to continue to succeed.

However, if Santos doesn’t get back, it won’t be difficult for the Bears to move on from him. Yes, he signed a big contract. If the Bears part ways with him, though, it won’t cost much. They’ll save $4 million and only take a $500,000 dead cap hit. If Poles sees some other good kickers who become available late in the preseason, he could decide to make a move.