The Chicago Bears have secured the services of seasoned kicker Cairo Santos for an additional four years, inking a lucrative $16 million deal, with $9.5 million guaranteed, according to a source close to the matter as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The announcement of the extension was made by the Bears on Saturday, with the team opting not to disclose specific financial details.
Expressing enthusiasm about the extension, General Manager Ryan Poles stated, “It is great to extend Cairo for another four years. His consistency and dependability will help us continue to elevate.” Santos, 32, has been the Bears’ kicker since the 2020 season, boasting an impressive record of 104 successful field goals out of 114 attempts during that time, including a stellar 27-of-29 this season. Notably, his 30 field goals in 2020 set a franchise record.
The new contract binds Santos to Chicago until the conclusion of the 2027 season. Santos, who had been playing on the final year of his previous extension, originally signed after setting the Bears’ single-season record with a remarkable 93.8% field goal success rate in 2020.
During his time with the Bears, Santos surpassed the accuracy of the franchise’s longtime kicker, Robbie Gould, making him the most accurate kicker in the team’s history with a 91.2% success rate since rejoining in 2020 (his first stint with the Bears occurred in the 2017 season, playing in two games).
Santos, who earned the title of NFC’s special teams player of the month in November, demonstrated exceptional performance by going 12-for-14 on field goals and 5-for-5 on extra points. His prowess on the field also led the NFL in field goals made, field goals attempted, and points (41) during that month.
Having kicked for various teams over his 10-year career, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tennessee Titans, Santos’ extension is just one of the items on Poles’ to-do list as the Bears approach the offseason. Notably, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a pending free agent, expressed his desire to stay in Chicago following the 2023 season. However, negotiations for an extension earlier in the season were unsuccessful, and a trade request in October went unfulfilled. Johnson, currently tied for the team lead with four interceptions, remains a focal point for the Bears as they navigate the upcoming offseason.
