Chicago Bears: 5 offseason needs in 2019
By Jon Dove
Kicker
The Cody Parkey era with the Bears was short and full of drama. Chicago spent big money last offseason to make Parkey their starting kicker. However, the entire year was full of missed kicks and controversy.
This is a team that has build a defense-first approach which means that special teams and the kicking game are extremely important. Chicago’s style of play lends itself to competing in close games.
Kicking in Chicago is a tricky task with the changing winds, questionable field conditions and cold weather. It’s tough to find a reliable and consistent kicker in these conditions. The Bears had one several years ago in Robbie Gould but decided to cut him loose.
Gould is someone that will hit the open market this offseason if the San Francisco 49ers decide not to utilize the franchise tag on him or offer him a new contract. If he’s a free agent, the Bears could be interested in bringing him back.
Jason Myers had a solid season with the New York Jets and could be a realistic option based on the Bears’ limited salary cap space. The draft also features Louisiana State’s Cole Tracey and Oklahoma’s Austin Seibert, two players the Bears could target.
Either way, the Bears need to come out of this offseason with a top-notch kicker.