Bears Release Robbie Gould

The Bears have parted ways with the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the organization has released long-time kicker Robbie Gould. Despite the veteran’s recent struggles, the move comes as a bit of a surprise, especially since the Bears don’t have another kicker on their roster. The 34-year-old was set to make $2.9MM this upcoming season.

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould practices a field goal prior to a game against the against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Gould had spent the past 11 seasons on the Bears, converting 85-percent (276-323) of his field goals and 99-percent of his extra points (379-383). After a disappointing 2014 campaign where he only made 12 appearances and finished with a career-low field goal percentage, the veteran seemed to have bounced back in 2015. Gould connected on nearly 85-percent of his field goals, and his kickoffs continued to be as consistent as ever.

However, Gould struggled down the stretch last season, and those inconsistenciesĀ carried into the 2016 preseason. In the team’s final preseason game, Gould missed a pair of extra points.

As our 2016 free agent list shows, the pickings at kicker are rather slim.

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