Bears to release Robbie Gould

The Bears have told kicker Robbie Gould they plan to release him, sources confirmed late Sunday.

His departure marks the end of an era. Gould is the Bears’ all-time leading scorer, with 1,207 points. He is the most accurate kicker in team history and ninth-best in football history, making 85.4 percent of his 323 kick attempts.

Gould was also the last remaining link to the Bears’ Super Bowl team, joining the club in 2005.

Former GM Phil Emery gave Gould a four-year extension, worth more than $9 million guaranteed, near the end of the 2013 season.

ESPN first reported he would be released. Connor Barth, who was cut by the Saints on Saturday, will take his place.

Gould made three field goals but missed two extra points Thursday against the Browns, but his role with the club was considered safe — until late Sunday.

Gould’s departure makes Jay Cutler the Bears’ most tenured player.