Report: Patriots May End Up Releasing Stephen Gostkowski

Stephen Gostkowski was caught in the middle of a situation last season. The New England Patriots didn’t know if they’d re-sign the long-time kicker. Stephen Gostkowski and the Patriots agreed to terms, but the kicker missed four extra points in four games before being placed on the injured reserve list. The kicker had a hip issue, and he had to undergo a surgery.

Gostkowski is in a similar situation now. We don’t know whether or not New England will even bring him back for 2020. Zack Cox of NESN was the first to report on the situation.

The kicker has one year remaining on his contract. According to Cox, cutting him would free up $3.5 million in cap space for the Patriots. That’s not something you underestimate.

The Patriots have a few issues to solve. Their offense struggled, and there are holes at wide receiver and tight end. We wouldn’t be surprised to see them cut Gostkowski to save some money to fill the holes and sign a kicker.

Will Stephen Gostkowski join the Patriots in 2020?

Gostkowski played his collegiate football at the University of Memphis. The Patriots selected him in the fourth round (118th pick overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He is 36 years old now, and will have to try extra hard to earn a spot. Gostkowski was expected to become the new Adam Vinatieri. Things didn’t go that smooth for him.

The kicker had skills to step in and make a Pro Bowl while getting a First-Team All-Pro selection in his third season. He is a capable player, and the Patriots know that. However, there are other problems they should handle now.

The Baton Rouge native had four Pro Bowl appearances while hitting First-Team All-Pro honors on two occasions.

Let’s see what happens by the end of the offseason. The Patriots missed the chance to win a Super Bowl this season, and they will do whatever it takes to avoid similar mistakes. Head coach Bill Belichick has a few ideas on his mind, and he has already started fixing the roster. Keeping quarterback Tom Brady is a priority now. Will the quarterback stay with the team?