Bears gift Cairo Santos an early Christmas present

The Chicago Bears just gave an early Christmas present to their most important and under appreciated player on the roster.

The team announced on Saturday that they have agreed to a four-year, $16 million extension with kicker Cairo Santos that includes $9.5 million in guarantees.

It's a well deserved pay raise and bonus to receive during the holiday weekend that also locks Santos in place through the 2027 season. The Bears kicker previously was expected to be a pending free agent once the 2023 season came to a close.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, Santos holds the longest active streak of fields goals made from 50+ yards with 10. Santos has been stellar all season long and essentially won the Bears two of their five wins in 2023.

In Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers, Santos scored 10 of the Bears 16 points with three field goals (from 54, 36, and 39 yards) and one extra point. Two games later, Santos scored all 12 of the Bears points against the Minnesota Vikings to come away with a 12-10 primetime win.

This season, Santos has made 27 of his 29 field goal attempts and is four field goals away from tying his single season career-high with three games left to be played. Santos is a perfect 6/6 on field goals of 50+ yards in 2023.

According to Pro Football Reference, Santos' 90.5 field goal percentage ranks first in franchise history among players with 5+ field goal attempts. He is also now fifth all-time in Bears history in total field goals made after passing Mac Percival a few weeks ago.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles locked in a legitimate weapon and for a bargain. According to OverTheCap, the total value and $4 million average of Santos' new deal ranks 13th among the top kicker contracts in the league.

Santos was still able to get his well deserved extension and guaranteed money while being able to stay in Chicago. The Bears were able to keep a great locker player for years to come and one who's value on the team should no longer be overlooked.