The New England Patriots placed the franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski in a surprise move over Devin McCourty.
In a somewhat surprising move, the New England Patriots used the franchise tag on All-Pro kicker Stephen Gostkowski instead of tagging free agent safety Devin McCourty.
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Patriots decision to franchise Gostkowski who will make $4.1 million if he plays out the year on his franchise tender and doesn’t come to terms on a long-term extension.
The decision to tag him over McCourty who would have received $9.6 million likely weighed heavily on the minds of the Patriots front office.
Patriots placed their franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski, per a league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2015
Gostkowski converted 35 of his 37 field goal attempts last season to lead the league in field goals for the second straight season after booting 38 kicks last year. His 94.6 success rate was a career-high and he also made all 51 of his extra points. He hasn’t missed a PAT since his rookie year in 2006.
He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection after the Patriots and led the NFL in scoring three years in a row.
As far as kickers are concerned, Gostkowski is pretty indispensable, but it opens up the chance that they could lose McCourty in free agency.
Unless Patriots re-sign him before next week, Devin McCourty is going to be one hotly-pursued free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2015
McCourty made 78 tackles and had two interceptions and started all 16 games at free safety. He began his career as a cornerback and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2010 after making seven interceptions.
If he gets to the open market you can be sure he will be one of, if not the most attractive safety on the market and could fetch a lucrative contract.
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