The Chicago Bears have crossed one major item off their offseason to-do list by securing the services of kicker Cairo Santos. In a move that ensures continuity and consistency in the kicking game, Santos has agreed to a four-year, $16 million contract extension, with $9.5 million guaranteed, according to a league source.

Santos, who has been a key contributor to the Bears' success this season, has been rewarded for his high-level performance. As the team heads into Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, Santos boasts an impressive record, having made 27 of 29 field-goal attempts, including a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond 50 yards. His accuracy since rejoining the team in 2020 is an impressive 91.2%.

Notably, Santos has now surpassed Bears legend Robbie Gould as the most accurate kicker in team history. This achievement further highlights the significance of having a proven performer like Santos on the team, especially considering the heartbreaking double-doink that ended the Bears' playoff run after the 2018 season.

Santos, at 32 years old, had three games remaining on his previous three-year, $9 million contract signed under the team's former front office. While the franchise tag was not an option for the Bears, reaching a new agreement with Santos was crucial to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The kicker's outstanding performances did not go unnoticed by the league, as he was named the NFC special teams player of the month in November. Additionally, Santos has shown improvement in his kickoffs this season, delivering deeper kicks and more touchbacks.

Soldier Field, known for its challenging wind conditions, can be an obstacle for specialists. However, with Santos in their ranks, the Bears hold an advantage. In home games since 2020, Santos has an impressive record of 44 of 48 successful field-goal attempts, while opponents have managed just 49 of 59.

As the Bears continue to evaluate their roster and make key decisions in the early stages of the offseason, the signing of Cairo Santos ensures stability and confidence in their kicking game. With his proven track record of accuracy and the ability to perform under difficult conditions, Santos is a valuable asset to the team as they aim for success in the future.