The 49ers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Gould in February with the hopes of negotiating a new long-term deal before the July 15 deadline to do so. The kicker reportedly grew tired of the 14 months of negotiations, frustrated by San Francisco's decision to pursue a replacement in New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, and decided he would like to play elsewhere.
"The bottom line is, I'm unsure if I want to play there anymore," Gould told ESPN. "At this point, I have to do what's best for me and my family back home."
Gould, 36, has remained in the Chicago area as his teammates reported to phase one of the 49ers' offseason program last week.
The 49ers seemed confident the team would work out a deal with Gould, and general manager John Lynch insisted on Monday that the kicker would be suited up once the regular season kicks off. Those comments may not have sat well with Gould.
"Robbie's going to be a part of us this coming year," Lynch said. "I know that. We would like it to be longer than that, and we've made an attempt to make that happen. We haven't come to an agreement as of yet, and we'll see where that goes.
"Robbie will be a part of us this coming year, and we're excited for that because he's very good at what he does. And he's also a big part of this team."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Rapoport shares 49ers injury updates on Trent Williams, Ricky Pearsall
NFL insider Ian Rapoport expressed skepticism about the availability of San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall for Sunday's NFC Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Neither player participated in Wednesday's practice, a... -
49ers vs. Eagles: Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall won't practice Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy sounded confident this week that left tackle Trent Williams would return for the team's Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed more caution, stopping short of... -
49ers vs. Eagles: Trent Williams 'definitely more confident' about playing in Wild Card game
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is among seven players listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran offensive lineman has been working his way back from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 17, which... -
San Francisco 49ers opponents for 2026 season announced
The 2026 opponents for the San Francisco 49ers have been announced. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West and will play a third-place schedule next season. The 49ers will have nine home games and will go on the road eight times. Here are the 2026 opponents: Home Las Vegas...