The New England Patriots will miss two instrumental players in 2020 who had an incredible imprint on their dynasty.
Tom Brady, of course, and Stephen Gostkowski. The 36-year-old kicker was released by the Patriots last month after spending 14 seasons with the team. He had an extremely difficult task in replacing Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri, but he did his job and earned his place as one of the NFL’s greatest kickers.
Gostkowski was placed on the injured reserve list in the beginning of last season and could’ve let his NFL career go after being released by New England. While speaking with NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran, he said he doesn’t plan on letting go of the game just yet.
“I’m not ready to just hang it up,” Gostkowski said. “I’m going to try to play. It’s going to be tough to show teams what I can do right now or work out or do a physical, but I’m not too worried about it. I’m not concerned. I kind of take things day by day.
“I feel good. I’m starting to feel better. I’m trying to keep getting in better and better shape, and I’ve probably done more so far this year (than) I would heading into a normal season. So I feel like I’m ahead of where I usually am, and I have nothing but time.”
The Patriots have not yet replaced Gostkowski, but they still have the NFL Draft and Nick Folk in free agency — who was the team’s most reliable replacement last season.
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