Aw, shucks … The storybook ending to the Chicago Bears’ kicking problems has been put to rest:
More details on the 49ers and kicker Robbie Gould reaching agreement on a two-year, $10.5 million fully-guaranteed deal that, including an option clause, can turn into a four-year, $19 million deal that includes $15 million guaranteed:https://t.co/M6L9jfQuuU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2019
Robbie Gould and the San Francisco 49ers have come to an agreement on a multi-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s a contract that pays Gould $10.5 million in guarantees over the first two seasons and could be worth up to $19 million over four years.
But, of course, there were times when it felt like this deal wasn’t going to happen.
Gould refused to sign his contract tender, didn’t show up to OTAs or mandatory mini-camp, then demanded a trade with his eyes set on being closer to home. The Gould saga teased us to bits throughout the offseason. Especially when Gould openly discussed his love for Chicago and the Bears organization, while also making it known he wanted a long-term deal no matter who gave it to him.
But now he has the deal he wants at the price that locks him into San Francisco’s immediate future. Sorry, Bears fans.
Gould’s new deal leaves Texans pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney and Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett as the only players who were designated with the Franchise tag who have yet to reach a long-term deal with their respective teams ahead of today’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. But more importantly from a local perspective, it’s one fewer kicker who could have potentially hit the market this summer.
For a kicker to get at least $10 million in guarantees as he enters his age 37 season is impressive. Gould threatened to sit out until his demands were met, forcing the hand of the 49ers to get it done. In the end, Gould’s holdout allowed him to accomplish what he wanted all along — the security of a long-term deal. So if you’ve ever wondered why players threaten holdouts and make trade demands, let this be Exhibit A.