The Chicago Bears continue to roll. Caleb Williams has taken a big leap in the past couple of weeks, and with the team riding a three-game winning streak, they've already won more games this season (6) than they did last season (5).
However, there's still plenty of room for improvement. The defense has regressed from last season, and there are also major doubts about Cairo Santos as a reliable kicker.
Justin Tucker's Situation Could Put Bears on Notice
Justin Tucker's job security has been a recurring conversation among Bears fans this season. Now, with NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reporting that former Baltimore Ravens star Justin Tucker is eligible to return to the field, he could be another potential option:
"Seven-time Pro Bowl kicker Justin Tucker’s 10-game suspension officially was lifted by the commissioner today," Pelissero wrote on X. "Released by the Ravens in May, Tucker remains eligible to sign with any team."
Granted, this would be a controversial move and put the public relations staff on red alert. While Tucker faced a series of serious accusations, he was never charged with a crime. This wouldn't be the first time a needy NFL team has chosen to look the other way and sign a player despite allegations of improper conduct off the field.
Tucker used to be the best kicker in the NFL, with some believing he was the greatest kicker of all time. Some of his records, including the longest field goal in NFL history, no longer stand, but he could still have something left in the tank.
The former Baltimore Ravens star had an uneven 2024 season with the team. He missed a career-worst eight field goals and also failed to convert in two of his PATs. There are no guarantees that he will return to his efficient ways, but this time away from the game may have helped him take the monkey off his back.
Through seven games, Santos has missed three field goals, but he's made all of his 20 PATs. Still, he doesn't seem to have a strong leg, and the Bears don't always seem to trust him to connect on 50+ yarders. Jake Moody did a solid job in his replacement, only making it more evident that the Bears could do better. Whether they will want to take a chance with such a controversial figure like Tucker remains to be seen, but he might be another potential competitor.