The Chicago Bears made a pair of corresponding roster moves on Monday, one of which is somewhat unconventional but familiar to them.
First, the Bears placed a roster exemption on punter Tory Taylor, taking advantage of his international status. The Bears did something similar before the regular season last season, before Taylor kicked the entire campaign. Moreover, Taylor ranked second in punts.
He was 18th in percentage of punts downed inside the 20-yard line and 19th in net yards per punt.
Bears Make Move With Tory Taylor to Add UDFA From FCS School
Bears Sign Jeremiah Walker After Exemption
The Bears need what they believe is an improved offense from personnel to coaching to alleviate some of the workload on Taylor and provide better coverage for him. Otherwise, it will be even more difficult to justify his fourth-round price tag, even with his booming leg.
This time, the Bears filled the vacated roster spot with cornerback Jeremiah Walker.
Listed at 6 feet tall, Walker recorded 27 total tackles, 5 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks last season.
Walker joins what is inarguably the Bears’ deepest position group, led by All-Pro and Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson and the recently minted Kyler Gordon. Behind them are Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, and Josh Blackwell, the team’s second-string nickelback.
Bears Like Rookie Kicker
Bears kicker Cairo Santos is under contract through the 2027 season, but there is no guaranteed money left on the deal. That is noteworthy, with Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower praising rookie minicamp invitee Jonathan Kim following the session.
Hightower notably mentioned Kim’s experience kicking in “inclement weather.”
“He’s a rookie, but he has good experience. So, he has six years of collegiate kicking, and some of those years are in inclement weather conditions. So, when you have a rookie kicker that’s somewhat experienced – the nature of that position, a lot of times, those guys don’t make it because they bounce around, because they don’t have the maturity level,” Hightower told reporters on May 11.
“This kid is a really mature kid that already has a routine, that already has a plan. Some of those three and four-year guys you get coming out don’t have that. So, he has a little bit of experience, which uh you’re able to see on the practice field, obviously. Really strong leg, and we think he has a chance to kick in this league.”
Hightower concluded by saying they will see if Kim can take advantage of his opportunities. The same is true of Walker’s chances of sticking with the Bears. If nothing else, Kim earned a strong endorsement from a highly respected coach.