Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace erased any doubt whether the team was going to cut ties with kicker Cody Parkey this offseason when he met with the media at the NFL Combine Wednesday.
Pace confirmed Parkey will be a post-June 1 designation, allowing the Bears to spread his cap hit over two seasons instead of one.
“He’s such a pro. He’s such a good guy,” Pace said of Parkey. “I think it was just really honest back and forth, really transparent back and forth. We wanted to do it before the combine and it was good. I think he understood.”
Parkey’s departure and the 49ers decision to place the franchise tag on Robbie Gould leaves the Bears searching for answers at a critical position.
So what is Pace looking for in his next kicker?
“I think leg strength is important, especially in Chicago,” he said. “You’ve got to knife through the wind. That’s something that I would say is a high priority for us.
“I think one thing we always have to consider is the conditions we’re playing in, with our wind our elements. There’s a lot of things that go into it, no different than any other position. Some of it’s mental, some of it’s physical.”
Pace didn’t rule out drafting a kicker as an option.
As for Parkey? Whether or not another team gives him an opportunity remains a great mystery. And if his time in Chicago plays a part in his ability to latch on with another club, it’ll be a challenge.
