Gould, Niners come to terms
Kicker Robbie Gould agreed to a multiyear deal with the 49ers hours ahead of Monday’s NFL deadline for franchise-tagged players to do so, league sources confirmed.
Gould, 36, got a two-year, $10.5 million deal that is fully guaranteed, with an option of becoming a fouryear, $19 million deal ($15 milllion guaranteed). Had Gould not come to terms, he would have played this year for a $4.97 million salary that ranked as the NFL’s highest for a kicker.
Gould requested a trade in April from the 49ers after two banner seasons in terms of accuracy (72 of 75 fieldgoal attempts) and clutch kicks (albeit for a team that won only 10 of 32 games). Gould earned $4 million the past two seasons, and negotiations on a long-term extension have taken place the past 18 months, culminating with Monday’s news, as confirmed by Gould’s agent, Brian Mackler.
Gould’s hard-line stance and the 49ers’ shrewd ability to franchise tag him worked for both sides. The ensuing deal, first reported by ESPN, rivals the league’s top-paying one signed in April by the Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Tucker (four years, $20 million; $12.5 million guaranteed).
“Over the years, Robbie has established himself as one of the best at his position in the NFL, which is precisely why we were so committed to working out a new contract with him,” general manager John Lynch said in a statement. “We are very happy to start off the year on the right foot with this agreement so that Robbie can get back with his teammates and focus on making the most out of the upcoming season.”
Training camp opens July 26.