Bears signed K Olindo Mare. Mare, who will be 40 in June, beat out Neil Rackers and Billy Cundiff at a Tuesday tryout. He replaces Robbie Gould, who pulled a calf muscle while warming up for last week's game against the Vikings. Mare was last seen in Carolina during training camp, where he lost the placekicking gig to Justin Medlock.

Panthers released K Olindo Mare. Justin Medlock will handle kicking duties unless the Panthers opt for one of the released veterans such as Billy Cundiff. Mare is among the most experienced kickers in the league, but shanked a number of critical kicks in 2011, and was due an untenable $2.1 million. A journeyman sixth-year pro, Medlock will be on the radar as a streaming option in the Panthers' ascendant offense.

Olindo Mare has been consistently short on field-goal attempts of 50 yards or more during camp. Mare missed both of his attempts from 50-plus yards last season and hit on just 78.6 percent of his field goals overall. Even though the Panthers' high-powered offense should yield plenty of attempts, fantasy owners can find more reliable options.

Coach Ron Rivera is pleased with the way Olindo Mare has responded to competition with Adi Kunalic the past few weeks. "I think bringing Adi back has maybe helped him to refocus," explained Rivera. The Panthers plan to keep Kunalic around throughout the offseason and training camp, so Mare can't afford to stumble next summer. His 2012 performance should have GM Marty Hurney thinking twice about handing out $4 million guaranteed to a kicker.

Coach Ron Rivera said Olindo Mare and Adi Kunalic will continue to compete during the week to see who will be the Panthers' kicker on gamedays. Mare didn't attempt any field goals in Week 15, but did make all four of his extra points. He's still on thin ice due to his 76.0 conversion rate on field goals this season.

Olindo Mare will be the Panthers' kicker in Sunday's Week 15 game against the Texans. Mare won a mid-week competition with newly-signed rookie Adi Kunalic to retain his job this week. Regardless, we'd avoid Mare in fantasy formats. His confidence has to be shaken after missing multiple crucial kicks this season.

Coach Ron Rivera "hinted" Friday that Olindo Mare will remain the Panthers' kicker in Week 15, but said the team won't officially decide until Saturday. Recently signed undrafted rookie Adi Kunalic would be the alternative. "Olindo has kicked the ball well," said Rivera. "Bringing Adi in, he's kicked it pretty good but a little concerned about him being just a little bit sore." Ideally, this is a situation to avoid in fantasy football leagues.

The Panthers have reportedly not yet reached out to free agent kickers Jeff Reed or Shayne Graham. As the most experienced kickers on the market, Reed and/or Graham would figure to be on hand for any open tryout around the league. This news suggests the Panthers may have decided to stick with Olindo Mare, the highest-paid kicker in the NFL.

Coach Ron Rivera will meet with GM Marty Hurney today to discuss the future of K Olindo Mare. With 5:16 left Sunday and the Panthers down 24-23, Mare pulled a 36-yard field goal wide left. He also missed a 31-yarder with the Panthers trailing by three as time expired against the Vikings in Week 8. Even though Hurney signed Mare to a four-year, $12 million contract in July, the Panthers need to hold an open tryout Tuesday.

Panthers agreed to terms with K Olindo Mare on a four-year, $12 million contract, including a $4 million signing bonus. The Panthers got a break on Cam Newton's salary with the new rookie wage system, allowing GM Marty Hurney to overspend to the max. Mare's signing will lead to departure of long-time Panther John Kasay, who was due $2 million this year. Mare has drilled an impressive 87.9 percent of his field goals over the past three years and possesses a strong kickoff leg. He's an upgrade.