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Chicago Bears’ Cairo Santos not looking to boost kicking range
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The Chicago Bears can’t have it all.
Cairo Santos is one of the most accurate kickers in the history of the Bears, entering the 2026 season making 88.3 percent of his attempts. That puts him above legendary kicker Robbie Gould, who made 85.4 percent of his kicks.
Jake Moody made 88.9 percent of his nine attempts last season, though he never attempted an attempt more than 50 yards.
The one knock against Santos is that he doesn’t have the range as many of his peers in the league. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is known for making 60+ yard attempts. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made a 69-yard attempt on Saturday.
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In an interview with Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, Santos said he’s tried to work on his range somewhat this offseason. However, he doesn’t want to change his technique to do what Aubery and other kickers do to make 55+ attempts, noting it would take away from his accuracy.
“When I see guys come into Soldier Field, it’s really all about making them from 53 yards and in, and not every good kicker has done that,” Santos said. “If I push for distance, it’s going to sacrifice my consistency inside where I need to be automatic.
“I try not to kick how these guys are kicking because I know what works for me is something more consistent and true.”
Given the wind and the elements at Soldier Field, it makes sense for Santos to think that way. Though that means the Bears are leaving points on the table when they play on the road.
Per Lieser, Santos wants to be near automatic in the side of 50 yards. He’s made 25 of his 34 attempts from 50+. Santos wants to be competent from 55 yards.
The Bears have a unique kicking situation because of Soldier Field. Santos perfectly fits those needs, though the team will likely be in the market for a distance kicker whenever the Bears finally build a domed stadium.
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