The Chicago Bears had a heartbreaking first-round exit in the 2019 NFL playoffs, due to a 43-yard field goal that was missed in spectacular fashion. After bouncing off the left upright and the crossbar, the Bears were sent home. After this taking place, it has become clear that Cody Parkey is not the answer at the kicker position in Chicago. In turn, this can mean a reunion with a familiar face is in store for Bears fans.
Leading to Cody Parkey’s Departure
Problems erupted for the kicker long before the playoffs. Parkey ‘s 76.7 field goal percentage in 2018 gave him a bad reputation for Bears fans as the league average is 84.7 percent. Through his career, Parkey has attempted 118 field goals and made 99 of them. Averaging only 83.9 percent, Parkey has proven to be an average kicker at best.
Parkey made 23 of 30 field goals attempted in the 2018 season. The kicker missed three from 30-39 yards, three from 40-49 yards and one from 50+ yards. To add insult to injury, Parkey missed three extra points as well in 2018.
Due to the kicker’s inconsistency, the Bears plan to release Parkey on March 13, when the new league year begins.
Leading Candidate for New Opening: Robbie Gould
Kicker Robbie Gould is a Chicago Bears legend as he leads the franchise in points scored with 1,207. Gould made a name for himself in the Windy City throughout his 11 years with the Bears.
The kicker was released by the Bears before the commencement of the 2016 season. Since then, Gould has averaged a field goal percentage of 97.4 over the span of three seasons.
Gould has played with the San Francisco 49ers for the past two seasons but is now set to be a free agent. Unless the 49ers extend the kicker’s contract or use a franchise tag by the deadline, Gould will be up for grabs come March 5.
The fans in Chicago have already made it clear that Robbie Gould would be the man for the job. If Gould hits free agency, expect the Bears organization to make a strong push to bring him home.
Feature Image Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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