Where does Chicago..bears stand with special teams?

The Chicago Bears are in the middle of a busy, important offseason, where they’re looking to build off a strong finish to the 2023 season. General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are entering Year 3, where expectations are high.

Following a busy free agency that included some big-name additions, including wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift, safety Kevin Byard and tight end Gerald Everett, the Bears are shifting their focus toward the 2024 NFL draft. While Chicago only has four draft picks, all of them are in the first four rounds — with a pair of top-10 selections, including No. 1 overall.

Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2024 NFL draft. Rounding out our previews is special teams, a unit returning for their third year together.

Who’s on the roster?

• Cairo Santos
• Trenton Gill
• Patrick Scales
• Cameron Lyons
• Corliss Waitman

Cairo Santos made 92.1% of his field goal attempts, including a career-best from 50-plus yards, connecting on 7-of-8. Santos earned a $500,000 bonus for making above 90% of his field goal attempts this season. Santos was especially effective during the month of November, where he earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Month. During that span, Santos led the NFL in field goals made (12), field goals attempted (14) and points (41). He also was a perfect 3-of-3 from 50-plus yards. Santos was one of the offense’s most valuable assets, especially when drives were halted. Whether it was easy field goals or 50-plus, Santos was money. He totaled 136 points, which ranked fifth in the NFL in 2023.

Gill had a bit of a sophomore slump with some rough outings, and it’s fair to wonder if Chicago could look elsewhere should his struggles continue. Gill’s punt average did increase from his rookie season (by .1%), and he had some solid performances. His best game came against the Cardinals, where Gill averaged 52 yards per punt, including a career-long 76-yarder. He also downed two punts inside the 20-yard line, which is something he struggled with at times. Gill had eight touchdowns on the season, which was up five from his rookie year. He downed 18 punts inside the 20-yard line on the year.

Scales has been a mainstay in Chicago since 2015, and he’s the longest tenured Bear on the roster. Scales hasn’t missed a game in seven years, and there’s a nice rapport with his special teamers Santos and Gill. With Scales set to hit free agency, the assumption is Chicago brings him back on a one-year deal as he’s proven to be dependable and reliable since joining the team.