It’s worrisome knowing Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos’ career-long is only 55 yards, and Ryan Poles might have found his eventual replacement. Michigan State kicker Jonathan Kim signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has a legitimate shot at challenging Santos for the starting job.
J Kim is on his way to Chicago
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— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) April 26, 2025
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Jonathan Kim Could Be Bears’ Next Success Story
Jonathan Kim’s Collegiate Career
Jonathan Kim reunites with his college teammate, sixth-round pick Luke Newman, as both join the Bears’ roster. His college journey began at the University of North Carolina, where he served primarily as a kickoff specialist and had only one field goal attempt. Seeking a bigger role, Kim transferred to Michigan State, where he thrived. He left Michigan State holding the school’s all-time record for field goal percentage (82.1%), converting 32 of 39 attempts. He also hit 39 of 41 extra points (95.1%) during his tenure with the Spartans.
Kim’s breakout season earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches, media, and Associated Press in 2024, as well as honorable mentions in 2023. Notably, he went a perfect 8-for-8 on kicks from 40-49 yards and nailed a 58-yard field goal, the fourth-longest in program history. Even more impressive, he connected on three of four attempts from beyond 50 yards last season.
A Much-Needed Push for Cairo Santos
While Santos remains under contract through 2027, concerns about his limited range linger. He’s been a steady presence since rejoining Chicago in 2020, but opposing teams are well aware of his range limitations and planned accordingly. Here’s how Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns of The Athletic weighed in on the situation:
Fishbain: “Usually a second kicker can be a literal camp body, someone to take some kicks off the veteran’s plate and can be on a team’s emergency call list. But Michigan State’s Jonathan Kim, a reported undrafted rookie addition, could also compete with Santos. It’s not easy to kick at Solider Field, and Santos has generally been outstanding, but we’ll see if this turns into a competition.”
Jahns: “I wouldn’t go that far. Santos is still signed through 2027. I know last year had its problems, but he’s still reliable. He finished the season on a high note in Green Bay, too.”
A Battle to Watch
Jonathan Kim has the stats and production to push Cairo Santos for the starting role. With a new coaching staff in place, a “best man wins” mindset might prevail, which could open the door for Kim despite Santos’ extension. Either way, letting him slip away could be a costly mistake. Finding a reliable kicker in the NFL is no easy task, and the Bears may have landed a hidden gem in Jonathan Kim.
Main Image: Nick King – USA Today Sports
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