Robbie Gould figured his big payday was coming. It was just a matter of when.

The Bears made Gould the highest-paid kicker in the NFL Monday by signing him to a five-year, $15.5 million extension through 2013. Gould's agent, Brian Mackler, said that it's the "richest deal for a kicker in NFL history."

The $15.5 million includes performance incentives and a $4.25 million signing bonus.

"It's pretty awesome. I'm excited," Gould said while dining Monday afternoon with Mackler. "Today is a good day."

Gould's absence during voluntary workouts stirred talk that he was upset with his contract situation. True, he might not have totally pleased, but Gould's frustration wasn't going to escalate into an ugly battle. Gould will be with the team when organized team activities begin May 19.

"I wasn't going to hold out by any means," he said. "The workouts, they were voluntary.

"I'm just glad to get the deal done and to stay in Chicago. I love the fans. I love the city. I'm just really exciting about staying here for the next six years."

Gould is the Bears all-time field goal percentage leader among kickers with at least 50 attempts, connecting on 84.8 percent of his kicks (84 of 99). The former Penn State Nittany Lion has been successful on 99 of 100 PATs. Of his 84 FGs, 35 have come from 30-39 yards; 25 from 40-49 yards. His career-long of 49 yards came against the Giants in New York.

With Gould's original four-year contract up after the 2008 season, it made sense for the Bears to lock up the three-year pro. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo spoke about rewarding high-character guys, and he followed through with extensions to Alex Brown and Desmond Clark. The Bears are having contract discussions with Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester.

"I just want to come in here next season and be the best kicker in the league," Gould said. "Signing a new deal doesn't change my goals. I still want to be the best player I can be, just go out and do my job to help my team win."

Courtesy Chicago Tribune