5 Players the Chicago Bears gave up on way too early

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Tight end Greg Olsen #82 of the Chicago Bears catches a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter in front of Lawyer Milloy #36 of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Robbie Gould, #9 of the San Francisco 49ers, celebrates kicking the game-winning field goal as Marcus Cooper, #31 of the Chicago Bears, leaves the field at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. The 49ers defeated the Bears 15-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Chicago lets kicker Robbie Gould leave, and he comes back to beat them

Who would have guessed that an undrafted kicker like Robbie Gould would forever become part of the hearts of Chicago Bears fans so quickly? Prior to his departure in 2016, unceremoniously, we might add, Gould made 276 out of 323 field goals and was part of the 2006 team that went to the Super Bowl. Since being let go, Gould has kicked for the Giants and 49ers and has been a steady force.

The most notable game for Gould came in 2017 when he made five field goals, including a game-winner that lifted San Francisco over the Bears 15-14. Gould did give the Bears solace during the 2021-22 NFL postseason when he nailed a game-winning kick against the Packers in the divisional round.

Since No. 9 left the club, kicking has been an issue in the Windy City, notably the Cody Parkey era that ended with the “Double Doink.” Cairo Santos has filled in quite nicely, but Chicago must find a younger, more long-term type of replacement if they genuinely wish to undo the damage done by letting Gould walk. Maybe bring him back? It’s entirely plausible and possible.

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