The Kick Off

With the final roster cuts looming on August 27th, there's a lot of uncertainty across the league. But when it comes to the Bears' special teams, some decisions are practically set in stone. Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, and Patrick Scales are all but guaranteed to make the team, so instead of speculating on roster battles, let's focus on these guys who’ll be suiting up for sure this season. Below, I’ve put together profiles on each of them so you can get a better sense of who they are, what they bring to the table, and why they’re key to the Bears’ success in 2024. These are the players who’ll be handling the clutch moments, so let’s take a closer look at what makes them stand out

Cairo Santos: The Bears’ Trusted Brazilian Kicker

Age: 33
Contract: 4 years, $15,600,000
Signing Bonus: $2,800,000
Average Annual Salary: $3,900,000
Free Agent Status: 2028 / Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)

Cairo Santos has become a reliable fixture in the Chicago Bears' special teams since joining the team in 2020. Born and raised in Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil, Santos’s journey to the NFL is as remarkable as his accuracy on the field. He didn’t even know American football existed until he moved to St. Augustine, Florida, as a foreign exchange student at age 15. From learning the game late to becoming a top kicker in the league, Santos's story is one of perseverance and talent. Now, as the Bears’ starting kicker, he continues to be a dependable option, even if kicking in Chicago’s unpredictable weather can be a challenge.

Draft or Dump? The Case for Santos as a Late-Round Kicker in Fantasy Football

Cairo Santos might not be the first kicker you think of when drafting your fantasy football team, but he’s worth considering—especially if you value consistency. Last season, from Weeks 10-17, no kicker averaged more fantasy points per game than Santos. That’s right—he was the top scorer during the most critical part of the fantasy season. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams now leading the Bears, there’s a chance the team could play it safe in the red zone, opting for field goals over risky touchdown attempts. That could mean more opportunities for Santos to rack up points.

However, remember that kicking in Chicago isn’t exactly a dream scenario for a fantasy kicker. The wind at Soldier Field is infamous, and winter games can turn routine field goals into nail-biters. If you prefer kickers who operate in more controlled environments, like domes, Santos might not be your top choice. But if you’re looking for a kicker with a solid track record who’s likely to see plenty of action, Santos could be a smart pickup, especially in the later rounds.

Tenure and Career Overview

Santos initially signed with the Bears on August 25, 2020, as a practice squad player after being cut during final roster decisions. However, he was quickly elevated to the active roster following an injury to the starting kicker, and he hasn't looked back since. Over the past few years, Santos has consistently delivered for the Bears, earning a reputation for his accuracy and reliability. Ranking 11th overall in ESPN's 2024 Kicker Ratings, Santos has proven to be a solid choice for the Bears, even if Chicago's cold and windy conditions make his job more challenging than for kickers in more temperate climates.

Fantasy football players might find Santos an intriguing pick—he ranked 13th overall according to Fantasy Pros and was the top fantasy point scorer among kickers during Weeks 10-17 last season. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams under center, the Bears may lean on Santos even more, opting for safe field goal attempts rather than risky plays close to the end zone.

Contract and Future with the Bears

At 33 years old, Santos is in the prime of his kicking career. His consistency and experience make him a valuable asset for a team that often faces tough kicking conditions.

Conclusion

Cairo Santos may not have the high profile of some other positions, but his role as the Bears’ kicker is no less important. As he continues to provide steady, reliable kicking for the team, Santos remains a key part of Chicago’s special teams unit. With a few more years left on his contract, fans can expect to see plenty more of Santos’s clutch kicks in the seasons to come.

And hey, while Santos might be a great option for the Bears, if you’re playing fantasy football, you might want to think twice about picking a kicker who has to brave the elements at Soldier Field. But if you’re looking for reliability and points when the weather’s fine, Cairo Santos could be your guy!

Tory Taylor: The Aussie Cannon

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Age: 27
Contract: 4 years, $4,767,900
Signing Bonus: $747,900
Guaranteed: $747,900
Average Annual Salary: $1,191,975
Free Agent Status: 2028 / Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)

Tory Taylor, the Chicago Bears’ rookie punter, might be new to the NFL, but he’s no stranger to pressure situations. Drafted in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Taylor brings with him a resume that includes All-American honors and a Ray Guy Award. At 27 years old, the Aussie punter is already a seasoned performer, having honed his skills at Iowa, where he regularly bailed out his team with booming punts. Taylor’s powerful leg and experience make him a promising addition to the Bears' special teams unit, even if he’s not too keen on the nickname "Crocodile Punter" (a moniker that he hilariously dismissed in a recent press conference).

Tenure and Career Overview

Taylor's journey to the NFL is an interesting one, marked by his late start in American football. Originally from Australia, Taylor didn’t pick up a football until he was in his early 20s, but that didn’t stop him from making a significant impact at the University of Iowa. Known for his powerful leg, Taylor led the FBS with 4,479 punt yards in 2023 and holds the highest career yards per punt average at 46.3. His draft profile highlighted his outstanding size, leg strength, and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. However, his slower approach and occasional struggles with hang time were noted as areas for improvement. Now with the Bears, Taylor is expected to refine those skills and continue his development as one of the league’s promising young punters.

Future with the Bears

At 27, Taylor might be older than most rookies, but his maturity and prior experience make him well-suited for the challenges ahead. If he lives up to his potential, the Bears could be looking at a long-term solution at the punter position, with the possibility of re-signing him when he becomes a free agent in 2028.

The Role of a Punter

The punter’s job is deceptively simple: kick the ball as far and as accurately as possible, pinning the opposing team deep in their own territory. However, it’s a role that requires a blend of physical strength, precision, and mental toughness. Taylor’s primary responsibilities will include directional punting, avoiding touchbacks, and serving as a reliable holder for field goals and extra points. According to his draft profile, Taylor excels at digging his team out of tough spots with booming punts, and his directional punting has shown flashes of brilliance. The key for Taylor will be improving his hang time and avoiding the occasional mishit that could give the opposition better field position.

Conclusion

Tory Taylor may not have the flash of a quarterback or the explosiveness of a wide receiver, but he’s set to be a crucial part of the Chicago Bears’ special teams unit for the next few years.

Patrick Scales: The Unsung Hero of the Bears’ Special Teams

Age : 36

Contract: 1 year, $1,377,500

Signing Bonus: $167,500

Guaranteed: $1,152,500

Average Annual Salary: $1,377,500

Free Agent Status: 2025 / Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)

Patrick Scales might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of the Chicago Bears, but for nearly a decade, he’s been the steady hand (or rather, steady snap) behind the scenes, ensuring the team’s special teams unit runs like a well-oiled machine. In a position where no news is good news, Scales has quietly excelled as the Bears’ long snapper since joining the team in 2015.

Tenure and Career Overview

Scales started his journey with the Bears in 2015, during the first year of the Ryan Pace and John Fox era. Since then, he’s been the constant in a position that only gets noticed when something goes wrong. But with Scales, things rarely do. From snapping for a legend like Robbie Gould to the current kicker, Cairo Santos, Scales has seen it all—and he’s done it all without much fanfare.

Over the years, Scales has snapped for a rotating cast of kickers, each with their own style and quirks. Here's the lineup of Bears kickers who have relied on Scales to get the job done:

• Robbie Gould

• Connor Barth

• Mike Nugent

• Cody Parkey

  • Ah, the infamous "double doink."🤢 While Parkey’s miss is one of the most talked-about moments in Bears history, it’s worth noting that Scales' snap was right where it needed to be. Sometimes, even the best snaps can’t prevent a heartbreaker.

• Eddy Pineiro

• Cairo Santos

Future with the Bears

At 36 years old, Scales might be nearing the twilight of his career, but his performance has remained as sharp as ever. The Bears will have to decide if they want to keep this unsung hero around a little longer or hand the reins to someone new.

The Role of a Long Snapper

Now, let’s talk about the job itself. The long snapper’s primary role is to deliver a perfect snap to the punter or holder on field goals and extra points. Sounds simple enough, right? But in reality, it’s a highly specialized skill. The snap needs to be quick, accurate, and timed perfectly—because if it’s not, the whole play could fall apart. And after the snap? The long snapper becomes a blocker, protecting the punter or kicker from oncoming defenders. It’s a job that requires focus, precision, and a whole lot of calm under pressure.

According to Pro Football Focus, Patrick Scales ranks as the 4th best long-snapper in the NFL. That’s no small feat in a league where special teams play can make or break a game. And yet, most people only notice the long snapper when something goes wrong—which is why you rarely hear Scales’ name during a game. He’s just that good.

Conclusion

Patrick Scales may not have the star power of a quarterback or the flashiness of a wide receiver, but he’s been a key part of the Bears’ success for nearly a decade. As he heads into what could be the final chapter of his career, Scales continues to deliver with the same consistency and reliability that has defined his tenure in Chicago.

And hey, if your kid wants to play football, maybe consider steering them toward long snapping. It’s a position that might not get a lot of glory, but as Patrick Scales has shown, it’s a path to a long and successful career in the NFL.