The New England Patriots locked up a valuable piece to their team, signing kicker Stephen Gostkowski to a four-year deal worth $17.2 million. Coming off a Super Bowl ring and the drama filled offseason in New England, the fans are ready to see the team back on the field ready to hopefully repeat as Super Bowl Champions.
Last season for New England, Gostkowski made 35 field goal attempts and 51 extra points. He led the NFL last season for most points by a kicker with 156 points.
Gostkowski was drafted by New England in the fourth round in 2006. He has been one of the best kickers in the league since replacing another great kicker in Adam Vinatieri who left after the 2005 season to sign with the Indianapolis Colts. He became New England's all-time leading scorer for kickers last season passing Vinatieri.
One of the reason's why he is one of the best kickers in the league is the pure strength of his leg. Gostkowski caused 53 touchbacks last season which was tied for fifth in the league. He has been clutch ever since being drafted by New England. Gostkowski has single-handedly won games for the Patriots, giving him a reputation around the league as one of the best kickers in the clutch.
On the New England side of things they got a deal done with him before the franchise tag deadline past today at 4:00 P.M EST. This is a good deal for New England even though kickers are one of the least influential players on an NFL roster. However, looking at the total body of work Gostkowski has done for New England over his nine-year career, he will be worth everything he's getting in this new deal.
On the Gostkowski side of things he has been doing well throughout his career so he deserves this deal. It might not be a lot compared to other players, but for a kicker he's getting paid handsomely. Just because he got paid doesn't mean he can slack off. Now that he's getting paid like the best kicker in the league, he needs to continue to kick like the best kicker in the league.