49ers K Robbie Gould signs a two-year extension worth $7.25 million

The 49ers had a decision to make on kicker Robbie Gould by December 31. On Wednesday morning, the Niners didn’t just pick Gould’s option up. They agreed to a new deal. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers signed Gould to a two-year, $7.25 million contract that’s fully guaranteed. Gould is now under contract with the 49ers through 2022.

Gould remains one of the best kickers in NFL history, but he hasn't played well recently. He had his worst season in 2019, but once long snapper Kyle Nelson returned, if that was the reason, Gould was once again automatic. Some felt like the Niners may not pick Gould’s option up with him missing two field goals and an extra point in Week 16, but that felt like recency bias.

The way Kyle Shanahan spoke about Gould on Saturday made it seem like this move was inevitable. We don’t have the contract details, but this deal comes out cheaper than the last contract Gould signed if we’re going by averages. Gould’s last deal had an average of $4.75 million. If this contract is straightforward, which is rarely the case for San Francisco, Gould’s average comes to $3.625 million per season.

Rob Guerrera said, “kickers are like lawyers. Everyone hates them until they need one.” The Niners are betting on Gould’s reputation and not his recent history. Did they make the correct decision?