Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould has signed a five year contract worth $15.5 million to extend his contract through 2013. The deal also includes a $4.25 million signing bonus and makes him the highest paid kicker in NFL history. It trumps the $12 million paid to Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri and the $14.2 million paid to St. Louis Rams kicker Josh Brown.

Gould signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Penn State in 2005 and became a fan favorite for his mixture of professionalism and personality. He frequently makes himself available to media and fans and has stayed humble through his popularity. He is mindful of his days getting cut by the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens and keeps a positive attitude.

He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and has made 84 of 99 field goals for his career, an 85% success rate. His most notable kick came in the playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field in overtime that led the Bears to the NFC Championship Game. Gould has the fourth highest career field goal percentage in NFL history behind kickers Nate Keading, Mike Vanderjagt, and Shayne Graham. In 2006, Gould scored 143 points, ranking him 23rd for most points scored in a single season in NFL history. His 143 points also ranked him 2nd only behind LaDainian Tomlinson's 186 points for most points scored in the NFL that season. Last season, his 126 points was good enough to rank him 8th in the NFL in points scored.

In 2006, Gould's 32 successful field goals ranked him in a tie for 1st with Jeff Wilkins for most field goals made that season. In 2007, his 31 successful field goals ranked him in a three way tie for 2nd for most field goals made with Mason Crosby and Shayne Graham, and trailing Rob Bironas. Those are big numbers for a kid that was working as construction worker in Pennsylvania three years ago before signing with the Bears.

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It's been a VERY busy week at Halas Hall for the Chicago Bears so let's catch up.

To put insult onto injury of Cedric Benson's arrest, his court date is set for May 19th, which is the same day the Bears open up OTA's (Organized Team Activities). This means rookie running back Matt Forte will have the opportunity to run through drills as the starting running back. Not a good situation for Benson who threatens to lose significant playing time.

Matt Forte can run, pick up blocks, and contribute as a receiver, a complete package that represents the polar opposite of Benson. Even if Benson remains the starting running back, Forte will likely come in on third downs. It won't be long until Benson finds himself riding the bench.

The Bears released safety Adam Archuleta after a lackluster season. It appears he is still broken from his time in Washington and has lost the confidence to play the safety position. He left the secondary open to big plays and the Bears are better off moving on without him.

It was a great draft for the Bears except for the noticeable lack of a quarterback. The Bears have responded by signing undrafted rookies Caleb Hanie of Colorado State and Nick Hill of Southern Illinois. After letting Brian Griese go, one of the two players will become the third string quarterback. Mel Kiper has praised Hanie for having a strong arm and skills but has a tendency to force his throws. Hill is a local favorite and has received praise from Bears staff for his ability to master the playbook quickly. The Bears are also leaving themselves open to pick up a quarterback that could be released by another team.

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Hey, Dominic Rhodes, sorry to hear that you were released by the Oakland Raiders after they drafted Darren McFadden. You should totally crash at my place in Chicago until you get on your feet and sign a contract with the Bears. It would be a great situation for everyone!

You would become the starting running back about as soon as the ink dries on the contract and you can return to NFL glory. Look what Chicago did to revitalize Thomas Jones' career and landed him a huge contract in New York!

You can have anything in the fridge and I'll wash the sheets on the guest bed cause your VIP like that. We'd love to have you.

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After a lot of thought I have decided to give the Bears draft a grade of B+.

They drafted players to fill voids an offensive tackle, running back, and wide reciver, while at the same time drafting players based on the most talented available. Could this mean the Bears are actually learning how to draft like a successful franchise?

Tackle Chris Williams, running back Matt Forte, receiver Earl Bennett, defensive tackle Marcus Harrison, and safety Craig Steltz will all have an opportunity to compete for a starting spot. Rumors of healing problems with Cedric Benson makes the Forte pick even more important.

The only thing keeping this draft from an A is the lack of a quarterback. The Bears only have two on the roster and it seemed a certainty that they would grab one in the draft. A lot of fans are left wondering who will be the third quarterback on the roster. With the quarterback troubles in Chicago, the third string quarterback usually sees playing time at some point in the season.

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Just five days after picking up a one-year tender agreement with the restricted free agent, the Bears have signed wide receiver Rashied Davis to a three-year deal. The amount of the contract has yet to be confirmed.

Read more about the Bears crowded wide receiver corps.

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The Bears seem determined to draft the best offensive tackle available in the first round, but they still have a second round pick and two third round picks. Halas Hall has given no indication who they are considering, but they have big needs at running back, wide receiver, quarterback, and guard in no particular order.

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I wrote a response to a ridiculous article claiming Devin Hester is going to be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears are going to resign Hester, most likely to a blockbuster deal.

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Rumor bloggers are more worried about creating unlikely scenarios than examining the power structure of the NFL. The possible trades of Chad Johnson, Anquan Boldin, and Lito Sheppard could have huge ramifications on the upcoming NFL draft. I will be surprised if more than one of the three players are actually traded and play out the upcoming season with a different team. All is far in football and contract negotiations in the new age NFL.