The Chicago Bears have bolstered their special teams unit by signing former Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly, a move that strengthens a critical but often overlooked position. Daly, who spent the past two seasons with the Lions, is a seasoned veteran known for his consistency and reliability, making him a valuable addition to the Bears’ roster.
Daly’s journey to the NFL was unconventional, but his perseverance paid off. After going undrafted in 2017, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys but was released before the season began. Determined to pursue his football career, Daly played briefly for the San Antonio Commanders in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019. His performances in the AAF earned him a second chance in the NFL, and he eventually signed with the Lions in 2021. Over the course of two seasons in Detroit, Daly played in all 34 games, showing consistency in his snapping duties for both punts and field goals.
For the Bears, the signing of Daly addresses a key need on special teams. Long snappers play an integral role in the success of field goal attempts and punts, as any inconsistency in snapping can lead to mishandled holds or disrupted kicks. Chicago’s special teams unit, which has been a point of focus in recent years, gains a steady and experienced presence in Daly, who has a track record of reliability.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower expressed confidence in Daly’s abilities, noting his experience and performance during his time with the Lions. Daly will be competing with veteran Bears long snapper Patrick Scales for the starting job, which could lead to an interesting battle during training camp and preseason.
While the position of long snapper doesn’t often garner much attention, it is essential for smooth special teams operations. Fans may not hear Daly’s name much during games if he does his job correctly, as the role requires precision and flawless execution to go unnoticed. His addition brings added depth to the Bears’ special teams, and if he wins the job, his impact will be felt in every successful kick or punt.
Overall, the Bears’ signing of Scott Daly reflects their ongoing efforts to solidify all aspects of the roster, ensuring that every position, no matter how specialized, is filled by capable players. This move should help provide consistency and stability to their special teams unit heading into the 2024 season.
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