Chicago Bears: 3 things to know about new kicker Eddy Pineiro

Everyone knows the weak link of this Chicago Bears team. On Monday, they added someone who could help fix the issue.

At this point, you probably know just how bad the kicking problem has gotten for the Chicago Bears. It all started even before last year’s playoff debacle against the Philadelphia Eagles. Before Cody Parkey notched the infamous “double-doink,” he gave us all pause when he missed a big-time kick against the Miami Dolphins.

We all knew that, just somehow, the season would come down to a Parkey field goal attempt. Somehow, that’s exactly how the 2018 season ended — and it ended poorly.

Now, the Bears have held onto their core and have all starters on both sides of the ball solidified. They even have a plethora of depth at major positions, which fans aren’t used to seeing — i.e. wide receiver.

This team is ready for a Super Bowl run.

The only thing missing is a kicker — and it doesn’t have to be a future Hall of Fame kicker. Bears fans would take any competent kicker; one who could hit a simple 43-yarder.

Last weekend, during rookie mini camp, head coach Matt Nagy had eight kickers line up for exactly that. On Day 1 of camp, he had all eight kickers attempt one kick from 43 yards out — with the entire team watching.

Only two of the eight kickers made their attempt.

Fast forward, and the Bears only have two kickers under contract. The other six were sent away, either without a contract, or after having been cut.

Monday afternoon, though, the Bears added a third kicker. For the second-straight year, the Bears and the Oakland Raiders engaged in some business. The Bears traded for kicker Eddy Pineiro, sending a 2021 7th round selection to Oakland in exchange for the former Florida Gator. The terms of the deal indicate, however, that Pineiro has to suit up for five games for the trade to hold up.

Now that the Bears have added a third kicker, I think you all should know something: He could wind up winning the job. Pineiro looks the part. Let’s get to know him a little bit, as I dive into three things you should know about the newest kicker in Chicago.