Cairo Santos kicked the longest field goal of his career to end the first half Sunday against the Panthers.
The Bears’ placekicker made a 55-yarder to give the Bears a 13-6 lead in Charlotte, N.C.
Santos’ previous career high was a 53-yarder, made every year from 2014-16 with the Chiefs and again last year with the Titans.
Robbie Gould holds the Bears’ record for the longest field goal, a 58-yarder kicked in 2013.
The Bears signed Santos earlier in the season as insurance for Eddy Pineiro, who nursed a groin injury throughout summer camp. Pineiro has yet to return — he remains on injured reserve — and Santos has settled in as the team’s regular kicker. He made the eventual game-winner to beat the Buccaneers at Soldier Field to improve the improve the Bears to 4-1.
The Bears signed veteran Kai Forbath last week as insurance for Santos, who they consider to be their unquestioned starter. When Santos made the kick before halftime, he improved to 9-of-11 this season.
