The Chicago Bears’ special teams had some big moments in 2026, with Josh Blackwell winning NFC Player of the Week after his block in Las Vegas, and Cairo Santos winning it following his three field goals and onside kick performance against the Packers. And who can forget Jake Moody walking off the Commanders or Devin Duvernay’s last-minute 56-yard kick return to help set up Santos’ game-winner against the Vikings?
It wasn’t all positive for Richard Hightower’s unit, as some inconsistent coverage led to the Bears ranking 11th most in average punt yards allowed per return and 12th most in average kickoff yards allowed per return.
But Santos did start having some success with the “dirty” kickoffs as the season progressed.
Chicago’s third phase didn’t rank as high in Bill Huber’s annual special teams’ rankings at Sports Illustrated as they did a season ago, but they finished in the top half of the league (15th).
Here are the Bears’ current specialists.
Cairo Santos – Signed through 2027 – Some fans have been writing Santos off for a couple of years now because he can’t run out there and try to kick 55-yard bombs on the regular. This may have mattered with a defensive coach like Matt Eberflus, but I think Ben Johsnon would rather go for it on 4th and 2 from midfield than attempt a long field goal. Plus, Santos has been clutch in his career, and he has a good handle on managing the Chicago wind gusts, so let’s all stop pining for the next Brandon Aubrey.
Tory Taylor – Signed through 2027 – Taylor had more “sexy” punts as a rookie last year, but he also punted 22 more times than he did in 2024, when his 82 punts were second most in the NFL. Even with far fewer punts in 2025, he had more trickle into the end zone for touchbacks, so the Bears need to tighten up some coverage.
Luke Elkin – Signed through 2026 – The Bears signed Elkin to a reserve/futures contract earlier this year. He spent the 2025 offseason with the Bears and had a cup of coffee on their practice squad. He also spent a couple of weeks on the Raiders’ practice squad. The 2024 All-American is the only long snapper under contract for the Bears.
Scott Daly – Free agent – The 32-year-old Daly, who played his high school ball at Downers Grove South, has long snapped for the Bears since 2024.
2026 OUTLOOK – Santos and Taylor may get a camp leg to work out with, but I foresee both still in Chicago in 2026.
Cutting Santos would save about $2.6 million, but then adding a quality free agent would eat into that and more. So, unless you really think they’ll trust the job of kicking in Soldier Field to a UDFA rookie or a street free agent, you may as well get used to Santos in the Windy City.
I also think Daly is re-signed to another one-year deal, and he and Elkin will duke it out in camp, with the Bears again going with the veteran.
What do you think the Bears will do at the specialist positions this offseason?