NEWSLETTER
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has been busy this offseason. But more than that, NFL analysts around the league have been holding his work in high regard. Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports) believes the Bears have had one of the NFL’s best offseason so far. Arif Hasan (Pro Football Network) gave Chicago an “A” for its efforts. And ESPN’s Field Yates dubbed them as the league’s most improved team after free agency.
Also taking notice of the Bears being on the upswing is former kicker Robbie Gould, who said this on ESPN 1000 during its 25th anniversary special:
“You gotta be excited about what Ryan Poles is doing. I love his patience. I absolutely love what he is doing.”
And if you’re the type whose reaction to that quote would is something along the lines of if you like it so much, why don’t you join the party? then I’ve got something for you. Because it sure sounds like Gould is open to a Chicago homecoming:
This is a different tune than what Gould was singing in February when he told Trey Wingo: “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 of doing this, I deserve that I think.”
Last I checked, the Bears still play in Soldier Field. And Soldier Field still doesn’t have a dome. So perhaps Gould’s comments on Friday had something to do with playing to the crowd. However, it wouldn’t surprise me that Gould would have a change of heart after living this reaction in his return to live Chicago radio:
I mean, c’mon … how can you not want to be part of this? Especially now that the Bears appear to have a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields, a legit WR1 in D.J. Moore, and a top-10 pick in next month’s NFL Draft. Chicago is a happening place to be for NFL players. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be a part of the next great Bears team? The vibes are on the rise with these Bears. And you’re going to want to be a part of the ride from the ground floor as this thing goes up.
Of course, there is a but we need to address before we start getting Gould re-fitted for a Bears uniform. Because I’m totally down for a Robbie reunion tour, but Chicago would have to cut its current kicker in order for that to happen. And I’m not sure if that is on Poles’ offseason to-do list.
Since joining the Bears in 2020, Santos has made 90.6 percent of his field goals. After enduring the likes of Connor Barth, Mike Nugent, Cody Parkey, and a kicking circus that followed, the stability Santos has brought to the position has been refreshing. Although, I can’t look at Gould’s stats (he’s connected on 88.1% of field goals since his unceremonious departure in 2016) without thinking about what it would look like if the two linked up for one last hurrah. I get sentimental sometimes. Sorry about that. Actually, I’m not sorry. But that’s neither here nor there.
In the end, I guess we should keep an eye on Gould’s free agency status. Firstly because he hinted at being open to a return. But also because cutting Santos would create $3 million in cap space. And secondly, I’ve heard worse ideas on how to spend nearly $45 million in cash before the start of the 2024 league year to reach cap compliance than bringing back an old friend. It might not be my ideal way to get closer to that number, but I guess I’m open to it.
