The Chicago Bears have a long shopping list heading into free agency next week, but kicker doesn’t appear to be a pressing need. Cairo Santos had a solid year in 2025 and appears to be locked into kicking for the Bears again next season. But just before they write his name in permanent marker on the whiteboard, Ben Johnson and his staff may want to have a second look.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Washington Commanders are not planning to tender restricted free agent Jake Moody. In addition, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that veteran kicker Nick Folk is also preparing to play for a 19th season and will be one of the top kicking options in this year’s free agent market.
With two new options available, it may lead the Bears to reconsider sticking with Santos for another year and raising the possibility of a new kicker in Chicago.
Jake Moody, Nick Folks Could Force Unexpected Kicker Shakeup in Chicago
Santos was solid for the Bears last season, knocking down 25-of-30 field goal attempts while converting all 39 extra points. He also knocked down several clutch field goals, including game winners in a Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and a Week 11 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
While those numbers look good, they covered up some warts. Santos’s 83.3% field goal percentage was his lowest since joining the Bears in 2020, and it was his lowest percentage since he made 44.4% of his field goals for the Tennessee Titans in 2019. A thigh injury also hampered Santos last season as he dealt with a lack of kicking power, which may be a long-term concern as he enters his age-35 season.
That makes the possibility of adding Moody or Folk for Chicago intriguing. Moody was promoted from the practice squad for both of his appearances and converted 8-of-9 field goals during his time in Chicago. That included a 38-yard game-winning field goal during a Week 6 win over the Commanders, who he ultimately joined after being waived by the Bears on Nov. 17.
After finishing the season by converting 18-of-20 field goals (82.6%) and 15-of-16 extra points (93.8%), Moody could have a market for his services, but he could also give way to Folk’s sudden availability.
Pelissero noted that Folk is the NFL’s most accurate kicker since 2023, knocking down 96.3% of his field goals and missing just three field goals total over the past three seasons. He also has the big leg that Santos doesn’t, knocking down 18-of-20 field goals during that timeframe. He's been reliable on extra points as well, with 75 makes on 77 attempts.
Both players carry some risk when moving on from Santos. Moody struggled, converting 25-of-37 field goal attempts (67.5%) and 34-of-35 extra points (97.1%) after a strong rookie season in 2023 (21-of-25 FG, 60-of-61 XP) with the San Francisco 49ers, and was also released after missing two field goals in a season-opening win over the Seattle Seahawks in 2025. Folk could also be a lemon, as he is 41 years old. However, he is currently showing no signs of slowing down.
But anything, having a premium kicker and another they know well on the market, should have the Bears thinking about the position. While Santos has proven to be a safe option, Moody or Folk could provide more upside and give Chicago a reason to make a surprising move at kicker when free agency begins next week.