Now that the New England Patriots have reportedly released kicker Stephen Gostkowski, the Tennessee Titans must try to bring him to Nashville.
The field goal unit was the most glaring weakness for the Titans in 2019, as evidenced by the team’s league-worst field goal percentage of 44.4, which was 23.5 percent worse than the next closest team.
Whether it was Cairo Santos or Ryan Succop struggling, or Ryan Santoso being signed as a “kickoff specialist,” Tennessee had a dumpster fire at the position.
The only kicker to have a modicum success was Cody Parkey (3-for-3), but he was cut after Succop was brought back off IR. Greg Joseph, who is the only kicker the Titans have on the roster, has attempted just one field goal in two-tone blue (and he made it!).
At some point this offseason, the Titans need to address that situation. Succop is no longer with the team and general manager Jon Robinson would be wise to give himself as many options as possible in camp.
If he’s looking to the free-agent market for a kicker, Gostkowski is the best of the bunch by a mile. He’s kicked a ton of clutch field goals during his career, played in Super Bowls, and has the leg to make longer kicks.
During his 13-year career, Gostkowski has averaged an 87.4 percent success rate on field goals, and has made 90 percent or better of his kicks five times.
The only concern for Gostkowski is his health, as he played in four games last season and had in-season hip surgery.
Source confirms Steve Gostkowski's release (@globejimmcbride was first). Had expressed a desire to play back in January but said he needed to get healthy first. Still had a limp from in-season hip surgery. #Patriots
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 23, 2020
Obviously that’s something to monitor, but the question about his health could also lead to him being a cheaper add than normal, making him a low-risk, high-reward signing for Tennessee.