It’s likely that the New England Patriots will give Stephen Gostkowski the same treatment that they gave punter Ryan Allen over the last two seasons. Bill Belichick may not give Gostkowski, 36, an easy path to the starting job in 2020. New England can and should bring competition to training camp.
Maybe that competition comes in the form of a veteran, like Nick Folk, who was at 82.4 percent last season for the Patriots. But his range issues (with an average of 34-yard field goals) proved problematic, and New England will likely want someone who gives them more options when the offense stalls outside the red zone. It’s more likely that the Patriots find a rookie, who can push Gostkowski, who is recovering from season-ending hip surgery.
The Patriots provided competition for former Patriots punter Ryan Allen in the last two training camp. Corey Bojorquez couldn’t beat out Allen in 2018. But maybe a rookie kicker can justify Gostkowski’s release — like punter Jake Bailey did against Allen in 2019. Cutting Gostkowski would relieve $3.5 million in cap space, but the Patriots have to be sure they’ve got a reliable asset with their next kicker. A rookie can meltdown — and fast.
What’s most likely is that the Patriots part ways with Folk, a pending free agent, and retain Gostkowski, who is signed through 2020. New England will do their best to scour the next two drafts to find a potential replacement, with increased urgency in 2021 when Gostkowski’s deal expires.
Maybe Gostkowski has a few major misses in big games, but he’s also the owner of three Super Bowl rings. He is one of the best kickers in the league. His value will hinge upon his recovery from the surgery, which is why competition would be wise. But there have been no indications that he’ll be anything but OK. New England would be happy to have him back another season, even if they add a young talent as an insurance plan.
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