Patriots franchise Gostkowski, 3rd time team has tagged a kicker
In the weeks leading up to Monday, the last day teams could use the franchise tag, the expectation was that the Patriots would use it on Devin McCourty. It didn't happen.
By
Ryan Wilson
•
2 min read
In the weeks leading up to Monday, the last day teams could use the franchise tag, the expectation was that the Patriots would use it on Devin McCourty, one of the league's best safeties and the glue to New England's secondary.
Instead, the Pats have reportedly franchised kicker Stephen Gostkowski.
Of course they did.
In the short term, that means Gostkowski, should he sign his tender, will make $4.5 million next season. It also means that unless the Pats can come to terms with McCourty on a long-term deal by March 10, the safety will hit free agency. Ultimately, we expect both McCourty and Gostkowski to remain in New England on deals that reflect their worth, with McCourty's contract gets done in the coming days.
As a Pats fan, scared at idea of losing McCourty, but everything I've been told by local reporters says he will take hometown discount.
— Aaron Schatz (@FO_ASchatz) March 2, 2015
If that doesn't happen, watch out.
I had team execs telling me in mid-season they desperately wanted Devin McCourty to hit market. He's a need for almost everyone.
— Kevin Clark (@KevinClarkWSJ) March 2, 2015
Meanwhile, coach Bill Belichick and the Pats didn't set any precedents on Monday; the team has tagged a kicker on two previous occasions.
In 2002 and 2005, Adam Vinatieri was franchised. The first time, he eventually signed a long-term deal. In '05, Vinatieri played under the one-year franchise tag and left for Indy after the season. The Patriots drafted Gostkowski in 2006 and he's been there ever since. He's been a Pro Bowler the last two seasons and his 53 touchbacks in 2014 was fifth-best in the league. He also converted 35-of-37 field-goal attempts and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Vinatieri.
Patriots' history of using the franchise tag (via ESPN.com):
2002: Kicker Adam Vinatieri. Signed a multiyear extension.
2003: Safety Tebucky Jones. Tagged and then traded to New Orleans for three picks.
2005: Vinatieri. Played on the franchise tag and departed in free agency the next offseason.
2007: Cornerback Asante Samuel. Played on the franchise tag and departed in free agency the next offseason.
2009: Quarterback Matt Cassel. Tagged and then traded with linebacker Mike Vrabel to Kansas City for a second-round pick.
2010: Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Signed a multiyear extension.
2011: Guard Logan Mankins. Signed a multiyear extension following a holdout.
2012: Wide receiver Wes Welker. Played on the franchise tag and departed in free agency the next offseason.
Next up: New England must decide what to do with McCourty, who would have made $9.6 million under the franchise tag.
