The Chicago Bears kicking competition remains in flux. All signs point to it stretching into training camp. After starting with eight names at rookie minicamps in May, the list has narrowed to two. In one corner, there is former South Carolina alum and AAF standout Elliot Fry. In the other is ex-Florida stud and trade acquisition, Eddy Pineiro.
Both seem to exhibit traits the Bears coaching staff likes. At least enough to continue letting them battle it out for the job. What nobody knows is whether it stays that way. There is no guarantee either of them will win the job by September. GM Ryan Pace could just as easily go onto the free agent market and secure a more experienced veteran. There are a few solid names available.
Still, there is no reason to think that drastic scenario is at hand yet. In fact, one longtime Bears insider in Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly believes there is a leader in the race. One he feels has the talent to excel in the NFL if he can hang onto it.
"Eddy Pineiro is the leader in the clubhouse, a kid with a very impressive leg, so that’s my bet and definitely the best guess right now but …
Elliot Fry can make a strong case for the job, too, and I can’t escape the feeling they’ll still bring in a veteran with some NFL game experience to compete with Pineiro before training camp is over."
Eddy Pineiro has the talent to win Chicago Bears kicking battle
Pace has shown already in his time running the Bears that he has a certain flair when it comes to trades. The majority of the players he has acquired via this method have become core producers for the franchise. Among them include Leonard Floyd, Mitch Trubisky, Eddie Jackson, Anthony Miller, and Khalil Mack. When he deals for somebody, it's because he thinks that player can be really good for this team.
Pineiro had an outstanding college career, connecting on 38 of his 43 total field goal attempts at Florida. He was quickly signed as an undrafted free agent by the Raiders and seemed to have the starting job all but locked up by the start of the preseason. Then he suffered an unfortunate groin injury that ended his season. It also cost him the job.
Being able to come to Chicago after such a disappointment and win the starting job? That would be a great turn of fortune for the young man.
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