Before training camp, GM Ryan Pace said the Bears were keeping their options open at kicker.
This, despite the fact that they have two kickers on their roster in Elliott Fry and Eddy Pineiro, one of which they hope will be the answer to their kicker woes.
But there’s some steam picking up about the Bears possibly trading for a Baltimore Ravens kicker. And, no, it’s not Justin Tucker.
In the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Jaguars, Vedvik was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 55-yarder, which put the rest of the NFL on notice.
Vedvik faces the disadvantage of playing for a team that already has its kicker in Tucker, but he’s auditioning for 31 NFL teams that might need a kicker. And the Bears certainly rank near the top of that list.
“I don’t really ever think about that,” Vednik said, via ESPN. “I’m focused on playing the game. That’s it. Teams that are interested, they talk to coach, the head honcho. I’m just going to play the game.”
Vedvik impressed during last preseason, where he was 8-for-9 (89 percent) on field goals after being signed as an undrafted rookie. And after booting a 56-yard field goal in the preseason finale, it seemed like Vedvik would find a home elsewhere.
But he was placed on the Non-Football Injury list after being assaulted in Baltimore and began his recovery. Now, it appears as if he’s picked up right where he left off.
With the Bears keeping their eyes on kickers throughout the league, Vedvik is surely someone they’re watching, as are the New York Jets.
That’s not to say Fry or Pineiro won’t be the Bears’ guy. Both have been solid during training camp and in their first preseason game.
But if the Bears pull the trigger and trade for Vedvik, this could become a three-man race heading into the Sept. 5 opener.
