The Chicago Bears didn’t hide their displeasure at how things went with kicker Cody Parkey in 2018. Not only did he miss a whopping 11 kicks including the one that would’ve advanced them in the playoffs. He displayed multiple instances of clear selfishness. It first appeared in his unwillingness to commute down to Soldier Field to practice kicking in the stadium. Then he doubled downed with an appearance on the Today Show.
This right after his double doink miss against Philadelphia. Almost everybody felt it was a totally misguided decision and an attempt to grab the spotlight. Matt Nagy even said it wasn’t a “we” move but a “me” move. GM Ryan Pace stated without hesitation that the team would be adding competition to the position this offseason.
What they weren’t clear on is whether Parkey would be part of it. That answer is a resounding no.
The #Bears have decided to release K Cody Parkey at the start of the league year, sources say. A fresh start is welcomed by both parties, and the Pro Bowler will likely find work quickly. He’s still due $3.5M guaranteed on his 2019 contract.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2019
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What’s even better about this, aside from Parkey being gone, is the message it send. The Bears could’ve easily waited until after June 1st to send him packing. This would’ve allowed them to avoid at $1.125 salary cap hit. However, they weren’t going to wait and sent the message that he had lost his right to own a roster spot with the Bears for long enough. Cap problems be damned.
Now Pace must focus on finding a replacement. Redford Jones was already signed a few weeks ago but that feels like merely the prelude. One or two more bodies will likely be added as this team doesn’t leave anything to chance. Not knowing that they are this close to a possible Super Bowl run.
