1 big reason why signing Robbie Gould wouldn't make sense for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have been searching for stability at kicker ever since Dan Bailey departed following the 2018 season. Sure enough, the position is the leading cause of concern for the team as the 2023 regular season draws near.

Brandon Aubrey and Tristan Vizcaino were expected to compete during training camp for the starting job. That competition lasted less than two weeks, as Vizcaino was released last week following a string of poor practices.

That leaves Aubrey as the lone kicker on the roster. To say that doesn't inspire confidence in Cowboys fans would be an understatement.

As a result, the fan base has taken to social media in waves to beg the team to sign a veteran, preferably ex-49er Robbie Gould.

While Gould is the most accurate and playoff-proven kicker on the market, signing him would significantly complicate Dallas' roster construction.

Why signing Robbie Gould wouldn't make sense for the Cowboys.

Gould's status among the NFL's most accurate kickers is undeniable, but his leg strength has dissipated over the years.

So much so that he's struggled mightily with touchbacks. Kickoff return opportunities have become few and far between over the years, but Gould produced a lowly 49.5% touchback percentage last year, per Pro Football Reference. That ranked fourth-worst amongst kickers who attempted at least 70 kickoffs.

For context, Brett Maher's 78 touchbacks last year were the most in the NFL, and his 78.0% percentage was second-most among kickers who kicked off 70 times.

In other words, the Cowboys would be going from one of the best kickoff situations in the league to one of the worst if they signed Gould. While the 40-year-old's field goal accuracy was a weapon for the 49ers, his kickoffs contributed to their special team woes.

And for what it's worth, Gould's 84.4% field goal conversion rate ranked in the bottom half of the league. That's a notable dropoff from his 2021 showing, when he converted at an 87% clip. Even the year prior, he was down at 82.6% and in 2019 he stooped as low as 74.2%.

Is it possible fans are overrating the 18-year pro?

If the Cowboys want Gould, they'd either need to carry a second kicker -- which seems impossible given the talent of the roster -- or cut punter Bryan Anger (who doesn't kickoff), and sign a punter who's capable of kicking off.

Not to mention, Anger is Dallas' current holder, so they'd have to go back to the drawing board in that regard as well.

Again, Gould is a proven performer on the big stage, but is signing him worth all the upheaval to the special teams operation?

The Cowboys should look elsewhere.

More from Our Site: