Preseason Shows Chicago Bears Have Options if They Change Kickers
Eddy Pineiro had his opportunity to make a statement in the Chicago Bears kicking competition. A 48-yard field goal would’ve been a huge boost to his stock. Then he shanked it to the left. This enabled Elliott Fry to seize control with a perfect evening against Carolina including a successful 43-yard attempt. It looks like the job is Fry’s to lose at this point, though there are still three games to play and that can change.
While consistency has been his calling card, the Bears may not be totally sold on Fry for a key reason: leg strength. While he’s fairly consistent from 49 yards and in, things get dicey when it starts getting beyond 50. Sometimes he gets it there, but others it looks like it barely makes it. In the unforgiving wind conditions of Soldier Field, this is a problem. There is a reason GM Ryan Pace referenced leg strength as a big part of his kicker search.
To be fair Robbie Gould was never known for a big leg and he did just fine in Chicago. Still, there is a chance the Bears may decide to scrap the competition and seek help elsewhere. They aren’t the only team that has had two kickers doing work this preseason. There are a few possibilities out there they may want to consider.
Chicago Bears have a few alternatives in kicking search
It wouldn’t be the first time the Bears took “leftovers” from another team and turned it into something productive. That’s how they got Gould after all. He was a castoff from Baltimore in 2005, having been stuck behind All-Pro Matt Stover. Chicago picked him up and the rest is history. Could lightning strike twice? Bears fans certainly hope so.
Kaare Vedvik (Baltimore Ravens)
The Ravens have made it clear they’re prepared to trade backup Kaare Vedvik before the season begins. They know he’s better than a large chunk of kickers in the league and he proved why in the preseason opener. The kid nailed all four of his field goal attempts including a 55-yarder to help lead a rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also has the added benefit of being a great punter too. If the Bears are willing to pay the price, that could be their guy.
Joey Slye (Carolina Panthers)
This kid is an interesting story. He promised his brother in 2014 that he’d make it to the NFL, who later died of leukemia. He’s already been cut by three different teams and it looks like Carolina will be #4 since they already have Graham Gano as their starter. That didn’t stop him from doing his job though, going a perfect 3-for-3 against the Bears at Soldier Field including an impressive 55-yarder. He also hit both extra points.
Cole Hedlund (Indianapolis Colts)
The ageless Adam Vinatieri is still going with the Colts and doesn’t seem to plan on retiring anytime soon. That means backup Cole Hedlund is likely auditioning for other teams. He conducted himself well in the opener, connecting and all three of his field goal attempts with two from beyond 40 yards. He was a transfer to North Texas in 2018 after three years at Arkansas. Ther he went 19-of-22 on field goals.