The Chicago Bears announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday, with the most notable being the return of long snapper Scott Daly. Chicago has waived Beau Gardner, their rookie long snapper whom the Bears signed as an undrafted free agent this offseason.
It only took two games for the Bears to reverse course after letting Daly walk at the end of his contract last season. Daly was the Bears long snapper for the entirety of the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and at 32 years old, he brings back some much needed veteran stability.
We have made a series of roster moves including signing Scott Daly to the active roster
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 22, 2026
The Bears wasted little time correcting their gamble
Gardner came into the season as an obvious target for any special teams coordinator due to the blatant weakness a rookie could bring to a unit. During Sunday's loss at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, Cairo Santos' first field goal was nearly blocked due to a high snap that was only recovered thanks to a skilled catch from the Bears punter and placeholder Tory Taylor.
The Bears second attempt was indeed blocked, but this was due to a failed block from fellow rookie Sam Roush, not Gardner.
It turns out that two games is all the Bears needed to fold their cards on Gardner, and the obvious choice to take his spot was Daly. Since Daly left Chicago following the 2025 season, he's spent time with the Buccaneers, the Packers, and finally the Saints. It was pure fortune for the Bears that Daly wasn't snapped up (sorry) and added to an active roster right away.
Daly's experience with the Bears and particularly Richard Hightower, the Bears special teams coordinator, means that if there's likely to be no down time. Without the need for Daly to start from square one, it should be a seamless transition.
With the Bears in an unpredictable spot headed into Week 3, Daly's stability is a must. Caleb Williams is considered week to week per Ben Johnson, meaning the offense may be hindered more than the Bears would like to admit.
With Daly back on the line for Chicago, fans (and Cairo Santos) can rest easy when the special teams unit takes the field.
| More Bears on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google