Chicago Bears Trade for Raiders Kicker Eddy Pineiro

For months people wondered if the Chicago Bears might use the trade market to solver their kicker problem. This inevitably led to thoughts of a reunion with Robbie Gould. Time has proven that is unlikely. So instead, GM Ryan Pace decided to try another avenue. Ironically with the other team by the Bay in the Oakland Raiders.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the team sent a 7th round pick in 2021 to the Raiders in exchange for second-year kicker Eddy Piniero. A former undrafted free agent out of Florida, Pineiro enjoyed a strong college career that saw him connect on 38 of 43 total field goal attempts. He has a strong enough leg to hit from 50+ yards.

He appeared in the preseason for the Raiders where he went a perfect 3-of-3 on field goal attempts before suffering a season-ending groin injury in practice.

Eddy Pineiro trade send clear message about Bears kicking competition

In hindsight, people probably should’ve seen this coming. The Bears made a surprise decision when they cut loose six of the eight kickers they had a rookie minicamps this past weekend. Chris Blewitt and Elliot Fry were the only two left standing and neither of them has even kicked in a single NFL game, preseason or otherwise.

It’s clear the Bears wanted another young body in the mix but someone with a bit more credibility. Pineiro showcased very good accuracy in college and during his brief stint in Oakland before the injury. It’s uncertain how he’s been responding to rehab. Groin injuries have proven tricky for kickers in the past. Seems the Bears are willing to find out.

If he achieves the same form he had the past couple of year, this may end up being their guy. He has the right mix of strong enough leg and consistent accuracy to survive life in Chicago. One final interesting note from all this?

It’s possible the Bears got a recommendation from their kicking consultant Jamie Kohl, who worked with Pineiro last year leading up to the draft.