Gostkowski signs for franchise tag value of 1-year, $4.59 million

[Senator Donut]

Ask Indy about this. They need a dedicated kick off kicker. What a waste of a roster spot.

Punter Pat McAfee has handled their kickoffs since 2009.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

My bad. Shouldn't post from a phone without double checking.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Anyone have an average starting field position stat? Aside from the being able to start opponent on the 20 pretty much whenever we want I've seen a strategy of kicking to the middle of the end zone almsot baiting a return to pin them inside the 15. How many times has this occured in comparison to others?

 

[IdiotKicker]

Anyone have an average starting field position stat? Aside from the being able to start opponent on the 20 pretty much whenever we want I've seen a strategy of kicking to the middle of the end zone almsot baiting a return to pin them inside the 15. How many times has this occured in comparison to others?

There's no data tracking kickoff location that I've seen, but there's not a real reason to go this route if you look at the risk-reward numbers. A touchback guarantees no return and a start at the 20. Trying to pick up an extra 5 yards does little in terms of changing the expected points allowed here, and you expose yourself to the risk of a much greater return - even taking the ball out to the 35 changes the equation much more than what you stand to gain. I can look into it, but on the surface it doesn't make a ton of sense.

 

[SumnerH]

There's no data tracking kickoff location that I've seen, but there's not a real reason to go this route if you look at the risk-reward numbers. A touchback guarantees no return and a start at the 20. Trying to pick up an extra 5 yards does little in terms of changing the expected points allowed here, and you expose yourself to the risk of a much greater return - even taking the ball out to the 35 changes the equation much more than what you stand to gain. I can look into it, but on the surface it doesn't make a ton of sense.

 
For reference:

 
(Based on 2008 data so it may have shifted some).

 

[IdiotKicker]

Yup, the one I've typically referenced is http://www.nflstatsblog.com/2011/08/fun-fact-chances-of-scoring-based-on.html which uses data from 2000-2010. But it pretty much shows that from the 10-20 yard line there is not a ton of difference in terms of expected points allowed. Unless you can pin a team within the 10-yard line, it's really not worth the effort, as the risk is significantly higher.

 

[vadertime]

Bumping as the deadline to sign him to an extension is the 15h, so we're starting to close in on it.  Its been pretty quiet on him. 
 
SB nation argues for the extension.
 

1) Per Miguel of Patscap, Gostkowski's cap hit of $4.59 million is the second highest for a kicker of all time.
2) The only year a Patriots kicker received a greater share of the team's cap space was in Adam Vinatieri's final season.
3) Giving Gostkowski the franchise tag in 2016 would force a 20% increase in salary to $5.33 million, which is just crazy.
4) The Patriots could work out a long term contract that would make Gostkowski the highest paid kicker in the league, while still reducing his cap hit for the upcoming season.
5) Gostkowski's 78 regular season field goal attempts over the past two years lead the league, and his 93.6% conversion rate also leads the league. He's 100% on extra points. He became the first kicker in NFL history to prevent the opposing team from returning a single kick off in the Super Bowl. He's the best kicker in the league.
 

 

 
http://www.patspulpit.com/2015/7/6/8899877/patriots-kicker-stephen-gostkowski-needs-a-new-contract

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Deadline is today at 4 P.M. to get a long term deal signed.
 
What would be the hold up? He is one of the best kickers in the game and they can lower is cap number from what it is now for this season. They wouldn't franchise him again next year and have over five million tied up in the kicking position.

 

[vadertime]

Deadline is today at 4 P.M. to get a long term deal signed.
 
What would be the hold up? He is one of the best kickers in the game and they can lower is cap number from what it is now for this season. They wouldn't franchise him again next year and have over five million tied up in the kicking position.

 
Same thing with any Patriots player.  They have $X in mind and won't go over it.  Gostkowski is not going to be the exception.  If he signs it will be at their price.

 

[ManhattanRedSox]

 
Same thing with any Patriots player.  They have $X in mind and won't go over it.  Gostkowski is not going to be the exception.  If he signs it will be at their price.

 
...and so he did.