Chicago Bears veteran kicker Cairo Santos will have to make a big decision following the signing of Coby Bryant. The Bears signed the former Seattle Seahawks safety to a three-year, $40 million deal in NFL free agency.
Santos earned his place as a starting kicker for the Bears late into the 2025 season. His first stint with the Bears in 2017 fizzled out due to a recurring, severe groin injury. This resulted in Santos being placed on injured reserve after only two games and, eventually, being let go.
He re-signed with the Bears in 2020, replacing Eddy Pineiro, who was also hobbled by a groin injury.
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
New Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant asks for Cairo Santos’ jersey number
During Bryant’s guest appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, the 26-year-old said he has asked Santos for his No. 8 jersey. Bryant wore the No. 8 as a Seahawk, a number currently worn by Santos in Chicago. The new safety wears the number in honor of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Bryant told Kay Adams that, “I got some things cooking up, but I’ve definitely reached out to him and asked him about the number eight.” According to the new Bears recruit, “He was very cool about it, so we’re trying to come to an agreement pretty soon.”
“I don’t have a set number yet, I don’t want to speak too soon, but [I] definitely have two options,” Bryant added. Santos has not always worn the No. 8. Back in 2017, Santos wore No. 2, which is now vacant following DJ Moore’s trade.
Should Santos decide to stick with No. 8, all is not lost for Bryant.
He said he is also considering 24, which Kobe Bryant also wore with the Los Angeles Lakers. The late NBA star had explained that wearing No. 8 proved he belonged in the league. Switching to 24 was a growth from that.
And, Cobe Bryant could draw from this perspective. With a Super Bowl ring, he has reached the pinnacle with the No. 8 on his back. With 24, he has a chance to push things even further.
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