By Jordan Long
The New England Patriots kept one of their own free agents, kicker Stephen Gostkowski. The 49ers showed interest in Gostkowski but didn’t offer him a contract. The Patriots agreed on a 2-year deal which will pay him $4.25 million per season.
Gostkowski has been the Patriots’ kicker since the 2006 season. Last year, the Patriots counted on him to nail field goals when the offense stalled. Gostkowski was perfect between 20 and 39 yards but struggled when he was pushed back. Gostkowski made 4 of 6 kicks from 40 to 49 yards and 2 of 5 when he had to kick past 50 yards. He finished the year with a 84.4% of his field goals made which was down from 2017 when he was at 92.5%. When it came to extra points he missed 1 the whole year.
During the playoffs the Patriots knew he would make the kick to add points to the Patriots lead. Gostkowski went 5 of 6 with a long of 47. His leg helped New England advance to the Super Bowl where they knocked off the L.A. Rams.
New England knew how valuable Gostkowski is to their team. He is a reliable kicker who has made 87.4% of his kicks in his career. There aren’t many kickers like him who will be able to put that amount of points up on the scoreboard. The Patriots let him test free agency. In the end they retain his rights and they hope he can be the kicker they saw in 2017 for the next 2 years.
New England knows Gostkowski may not have a lot of football left in him. He is 35-years old and by the time this agreement is up, Gostkowski is going to be 37. There are not many 37-year old kickers in the NFL. This could be Gostkowski’s last deal before New England decides to move on. If he struggles they may be forced to cut him before the contract is up. used1 \lsdlo
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