Two years ago, Eddy Pineiro was acquired by the Chicago Bears in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders and won arguably the most publicized kicking competition in NFL history. Now, he may find himself in another kicking derby just one state over.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and agent Drew Rosenhaus, Pineiro is signing a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. He’ll likely compete with kicker Rodrigo Blankenship for the job.
Colts are signing free agent kicker Eddy Pineiro to a one-year deal, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 13, 2021
Pineiro was named the Bears kicker in 2019 and played in all 16 games. He converted 23 of 28 field goals and 27 of 29 extra points. His most notable moment came in week two when he hit a 53-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bears an improbable victory over the Denver Broncos. He went into training camp last season as the team’s top kicker.
Unfortunately, injuries benched Pineiro and Cairo Santos wound up kicking for the entire season. His impressive performance earned him an extension and the Bears released Pineiro earlier this offseason.
Pineiro is the latest former Bear to find a new home this week. Tackles Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie agreed to deals with the Washington Football Team and the Denver Broncos on Wednesday, respectively. The Bears announced both players would be released earlier this offseason.
