Projected franchise tag values for 2019, including 49ers kicker Robbie Gould

Kicker Robbie Gould remains the leading candidate to be franchise tagged by the San Francisco 49ers. The move will cost the team a little over $5 million in 2019 and earn Gould more in one season than he made during his past three NFL seasons.

A long-term deal would be ideal for both Gould and the 49ers, but as of right now, reports indicate that the two parties aren't close to accomplishing that. San Francisco wants Gould, who has been the most reliable kicker in the game over the past two seasons, back for at least another season. While committing too many years to a 36-year-old kicker entering his 15th NFL season might not seem ideal, Gould is showing no signs of slowing down.

Gould calls Chicago home and a seemingly better fit for him and his family might be a return to the Bears. The Gould family, minus Robbie, has lived in the Chicago area over the past two seasons which has meant a lot of missed family time for the veteran kicker.

The 49ers are expected to use the franchise tag on Gould should the two parties fail to reach a new deal. The window for NFL teams to use the franchise tag opened on Tuesday and closes on March 5.

Below are the projected numbers by position for the franchise tag in 2019, according to a report by Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac.

• Quarterback: $25.103 million
• Running back: $11.322 million
• Wide receiver: $16.948 million
• Tight end: $10.486 million
• Offensive line: $14.201 million
• Defensive end: $17.291 million
• Defensive tackle: $15.355 million
• Linebacker: $15.591 million
• Cornerback: $16.175 million
• Safety: $11.256 million
• Punter/kicker: $5.018 million