Paul Edinger is back. The ex-Bears kicker was signed by the Rush today and will compete in training camp with incumbent Dan Frantz.
Edinger has been out of the league since 2005, when he kicked for the Minnesota Vikings. Hes had a few tryouts here and there, most recently last April with the New York Giants, but otherwise its been odd as his name hasnt surfaced. Typically, veteran kickers dont go away, they go from city to city.
“Since (last playing), Ive been doing a lot of fishing and wondering if Id ever get another chance, he told the Sun-Times Lacy Banks earlier today.
Edinger was a sixth-round pick in 2000 and made 110-of-146 field goals in five seasons with the Bears. He was shipped out when the team signed Doug Brien in the spring of 2005.
“Its good news, long snapper Pat Mannelly said. “Im very surprised hes been out so long. The guy was just consistent. I wouldnt say he was one of the top three or four, but he was as good as anyone else in the league when he was with us. As soon as a kicker is struggling or injured, it seems like teams bring in a slew of kickers and his name was never on those lists. Hopefully this is a good way to get back for him. I mean, kickers can play until their 40.
“This is good for the Rush, too. Hopefully, it will lead to another chance in the NFL for Paul.
Mannelly last saw Edinger during the week leading up to Super Bowl XLI in Miami when they went to dinner. Edinger was living in the Miami area.
Frantz made 11-of-27 field goals last season for the Rush and 104-of-114 extra points. The goalposts in Arena Football are only nine feet apart as opposed to the NFL where they are 18.5 feet wide.
