The Chicago Bears are on top of the NFC North with a 7-3 record, and their win over the Minnesota Vikings went a long way in determining their kicker drama. Cairo Santos had been embattled throughout most of the season, but his 4-for-5 performance on field goals, including a 48-yard game-winner as time expired, had many Bears fans breathing easier as they headed into the final stretch.
While Santos succeeded, Jake Moody spent another week on the practice squad. After being embroiled in a battle with Santos over the past month, Moody saw his role in the Bears’ controversy come to an end when NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Washington Commanders signed Moody to their active roster on Monday afternoon.
Commanders Finally End Bears Kicker Drama By Signing Jake Moody
The Commanders’ decision to sign Moody ended a month-long debate in Chicago. Santos has been in Chicago for the past six seasons, making 88.2% of his field goals over that time, but he struggled with his leg strength this season. In addition to making 6-of-7 field goals and all 11 extra points over the first four games, a right thigh injury forced him to the sideline and allowed Moody to be elevated from the practice squad for two games.
Moody, who had been released by the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the season, looked like a more confident kicker in Chicago, making 8-of-9 attempts, including a game-winner in the Oct. 13 victory over the Washington Commanders. But while Moody was solid, Santos returned from injury and made 6-of-8 field goals (75%) before Sunday’s performance against the Vikings.
With Santos winning the midseason kicking battle, Moody will look for another shot with the Commanders and try to settle their kicking problem. The Commanders released Matt Gay on Monday after he missed a pair of field goals during Washington’s loss to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid on Sunday morning. It remains to be seen what happens from here for the former third-round pick, but regardless of whether Moody continues to find the success he saw in Chicago or not, it’s no longer the Bears' problem.
Chicago has more important things to worry about down the stretch, as the Bears continue their bid for their first playoff appearance since 2020 and their first division title since 2018. Hopefully, Santos continues to be the one who helps the team achieve those goals with his efforts in the kicking game.