Patriots Place Franchise Tag on Gostkowski
The Patriots used the franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski Monday, making him the highest paid kicker in the NFL in the process. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report the news.
[fragment number=0]
Gostkowski will make approximately $4.6 million in 2015 if he signs the franchise tender. There is still a chance the Patriots could sign him to a long term deal, which would lower his cap number for 2015.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported earlier in the day that Gostkowski was more likely to receive the tag than star safety and defensive co-captain Devin McCourty.
The NFL salary cap for the 2015 season will be $143.28 million. The Patriots will have an adjusted cap of $144.58 million due to carry-over from 2014.
Next on the agenda for the Patriots is getting under the salary cap by March 10, as mandated by the league. The team will attempt to use the next week to negotiate a new deal with star cornerback Darrelle Revis, but will also need to trim and restructure some salary to fit everyone under the cap.
As for McCourty, his twin brother Jason is already recruiting him to the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots have the same timeframe to negotiate a new deal with McCourty.
[fragment number=1]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com