Sounds Like You Can Cross Robbie Gould Off Your Offseason Wish List
Well, I certainly didn’t believe making note of Robbie Gould’s upcoming free agency would garner as much pushback as it did in late January. But, hey, I like surprises as much as the next guy. Ultimately, my end game was to (1) present concerns about the Bears’ kicking game that we’ve discussed as a community and (2) offer up an option that I know many fans will bring to the table. I’m not sure there is a fan base in any sport that likes a homecoming story as much as Chicago Bears fans. And I’m cognizant of that thing that makes us tick as a fanbase. I feel that is part of a thing I need to be aware of in this space.
And just like I was being self-aware in presenting potential possibilities, I’m also mindful of when an option is coming off the board. With that being said, I think we can cross Gould off a possible offseason wish list Chicago could cook up this offseason.
In chatting with The 33rd Team’s Trey Wingo, Gould laid out his upcoming offseason alternatives if he doesn’t re-sign with the 49ers. And it sure seems like a return to Chicago doesn’t seem likely at the moment (if at all):
“I live here full time, but I don’t know if I want to kick in the cold anymore. I’d look to get a dome and some warm weather first. Forty years, 18 years of doing this, I deserve that I think.”
You can watch more from Gould and Wingo in the video below:
Last I checked, the Bears still play at Soldier Field. The last time I drove past that joint, it was still without a dome. Maybe there are plans to cover the place in the future, but that ain’t happening soon enough to make a difference here. And even though Gould has co-signed the Bears’ pending move to Arlington Heights, that facility won’t be ready to open for years. Heck, they still haven’t closed on the property yet. In other words, a Gould homecoming is as likely as seeing a Cody Parkey kick that doesn’t go doink.
In the end, I’m glad Gould is getting out ahead of it. And I’m glad I’m able to do so, too. To reiterate our stance for the umpteenth time, we’re not trying to kick Cairo Santos to the curb. Save for some PAT troubles this past season, Santos has been money with his kicks. Give him an offseason to work on some things and iron out some kinks. That’s the least the Bears can do. Odds are that letting him work things out will erase those issues in due time. It’ll probably be like those issues were nonexistent in the first place. But, hey, I’m open to Bears GM Ryan Poles wanting to bring in another camp leg to nudge Cairo. The more open competition, the better for business.
