When you have a player as consistent as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowsi, it would be tough to imagine looking for a replacement if he hit free agency because the odds are probably pretty good another team would have paid him a lot of money.
Fortunately, it's not something the Patriots will have to worry about for the foreseeable future.
According to ESPN Boston, New England was able to get a deal done before the deadline on an extension for the veteran kicker, with the two sides reportedly agreeing to a four-year contact worth approximately $17.2 million. Gostkowski had previously signed his one-year franchise tender, but New England had until 4pm Wednesday to reach a long-term deal.
It's good news as he's been an unbelievable replacement for former Patriot Adam Vinatieri, who had been a steady contributor before departing for Indianapolis via free agency following the 2005 season. 2014 was one of Gostkowski's best seasons, with the veteran hitting an NFL-best 35-of-37 field goals (94.6%) which was a career high in accuracy. He also became the seventh kicker to earn 100 points in the postseason and kicked touchbacks on all five of his kickoffs against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Gostkowski has also lead all NFL kickers in points in every season since 2012.
Kickers don't tend to get a lot of recognition but fortunately the Patriots clearly see the value he gives them. It's a well-deserved deal for a solid player and fortunately New England has solidified their kicking game for the long-term by extending him.
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