The Bears will ensure punter continuity remains in 2021. They agreed to terms with longtime specialist Pat O’Donnell on Friday, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.
Unlike O’Donnell’s 2019 pact, this is a one-year deal. The Bears have retained Cairo Santos and now O’Donnell on back-to-back days.
While Chicago went through a rather publicized kicker rough patch, the team has not had similar issues at punter. O’Donnell arrived as a 2014 sixth-round pick and has maintained his job since Week 1 of his rookie season. The 45.7 yards per punt O’Donnell averaged last season marked his best since the 2017 season.
O’Donnell, now 30, played on a two-year, $3.5MM contract previously. He also signed a one-year deal that covered the 2018 season. This will be his fourth Bears accord.
With all the QB rumor buzz around the Bears it’s good they’re taking care of business with O’Donnell and Santos.
Jeez, you’re that desperate for good news about the Bears? They extended a punter, whoopity.
Special teams count too ChiSoxCity. Surprised you do not know that.
Great, sign the long snapper to an extension too. They need to lock down all the special teams guys… they’ll be used heavily without a quality QB.