The Chicago Bears kicker competition took an interesting shift at Soldier Field in the preseason. Eddy Pineiro missed a 48-yard field goal while Elliott Fry was perfect including a 43-yarder. One would assume this puts Fry in control with three games to play before the regular season opener against Green Bay. However, there are plenty out there who still don’t feel comfortable with either kicker.
It’s a combination of issues. Pineiro has the strong leg the Bears are looking for but his accuracy has come and gone with each appearance. Fry is more steady but it’s become clear his leg has limitations. Kicking from a distance could prove challenging, especially in that stadium. The Bears would no doubt love to find somebody with Pineiro’s leg but is more consistent with his accuracy. One insider thinks they already have a guy in mind.
Manish Mehta, who covers the New York Jets with the New York Daily News is covering a kicker competition of his own. He was discussing possible options for the team, including one of the hottest names on the market in Baltimore Ravens backup Kaare Vedvik. While the Jets are definitely interested in him, Mehta claims the belief in the building is Vedvik will end up in Chicago.
It’s interesting that the Jets think this. Remember that they have a lot of Bears connections on that team including head coach Adam Gase and new GM Joe Douglas. Both were in Chicago back in 2015. So they have ties to the scouts and front office. They might know things other teams don’t. This information can’t be taken too lightly.
There is also the fact that everybody knows Vedvik is available. The Ravens aren’t going to replace All-Pro Justin Tucker with him. So their goal is to let him kick in the preseason to improve his trade value as much as possible. He’s certainly done his part. After just one game Vedvik is 4-of-4 including a 55-yard field goal against Jacksonville. Including last preseason, he is now 12-of-13 on his field goal attempts. An impressive mark of consistency.
The real draw though is that leg. Vedvik has an absolute cannon that is routinely capable of hitting from beyond 50 yards with room to spare. This also shows up in his punting, something he’s done since college. He is averaging 55 yards per boot so far. If anybody was tailor-made to kick in Chicago, it feels like Vedvik is that guy. It comes down to whether GM Ryan Pace is willing to make the move.
It’s uncertain what the cost would be but the smart money says the Ravens are probably looking for a 4th or 5th round pick. Vedvik is 25-years old. If he’s the real deal, the price should be worth it.
