Chicago Bears fans are still sick to their stomachs.
Cody Parkey’s game-winning field goal attempt clanked off the goal post and crossbar on Sunday night, effectively ending the Bears’ Super Bowl aspirations.
After the game, it came out that Treyvon Hester tipped the ball at the line of scrimmage and altered its course.
Everyone in Chicago attacking Parkey needs to watch this and calm down. https://t.co/4uUpbmR33h
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 7, 2019
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Even with this being the case, the Bears have had issues with their kicking game since Gould was released at the start of the 2016 season.
The Bears combination of kickers, with names like Connor Barth, Mike Nugent, Cairo Santos and Cody Parkey have missed a total of 19 field goals over the 3 season span, while Gould has gone 82 for 85 in that same time frame.
Moving On From Parkey Creates Cap Problem
The only argument standing in the way of Parkey being released this off-season is the amount of money he’s owed.
If the Bears were to move on from Parkey, it would cause a $5,187,500 dead cap hit, per spotrac.com.
The Bears are already going to be relatively tight up against the cap ceiling this next season and have a few holes to fill, such as strong safety, nickel corner and right tackle if Adrian Amos, Bryce Callahan and Bobby Massie don’t resign.
For this reason only, Parkey may be returning to kick for the Chicago Bears in 2019.
However, if Pace makes the tough decision that Parkey has to go, there’s a former Bears great that will be available.
Gould Is A Free Agent This Offseason
Gould has spent the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and has been the definition of a clutch kicker for them. As mentioned previously, he’s gone 82 for 85 in the past three seasons (one season was with the New York Giants).
Gould still has a house in the Chicagoland area and his wife and three kids have remained there during his tenure with the 49ers.
Because of the uncertainty of looming free agency, Robbie Gould and his wife decided she and their children would remain at their permanent home in the Chicago area during the season.https://t.co/et5hQWqufl
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 7, 2019
From a family perspective, coming back to play in Chicago makes a lot of sense for Gould. He’d be able to return to a franchise that he’s still held in high regard with the fans, play on a team likely to contend in the playoffs again next year and would be close to his family.
Also, Gould was in the crowd at Soldier Field on Sunday night with his kids. He got to witness the distain from the fans first hand and recognize the need for consistency in Chicago.
Teaching these boys the history of da @bears #WPMOYCHALLENGEGOULD pic.twitter.com/r7OdoczB7S
— Robbie Gould (@RobbieGould09) January 6, 2019
The only question is whether or not the Bears would want to sign him if they move on from Parkey.
Gould will be 37 years old entering the 2019 season. The age might be a concern, but kickers like Adam Vinatieri have shown that you can still be a factor at the position well into your 40’s.
Plus, Gould has made only $4,000,000 over the past two seasons with San Francisco. He might be willing to take around the same amount of money, which could help the Bears and their cap situation…
What are your thoughts? Should the Bears bring back #9?
