Cross kicker off of the New England Patriots’ list of needs.
The Patriots are re-signing free-agent kicker Stephen Gostkowski to a two-year contract, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. NFL free agency began nearly a month ago.
Gostkowski first joined the Patriots in 2006 as a fourth-round pick out of Memphis, taking over the role from Adam Vinatieri. Gostkowski is the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history.
The Patriots also re-signed punter Ryan Allen to a one-year deal this offseason. Their specialist trio, including long snapper Joe Cardona, will be back together for the fifth straight season.
It was reported Tuesday the San Francisco 49ers had shown interest in Gostkowski.
Gostkowski has appeared in six Super Bowls, winning three, with the Patriots. He’s missed just eight games in his 13-year NFL career.
UPDATED (9:20 p.m.):Â Gostkowski’s two-year contract is worth $8.5 million. He’ll be tied with the Carolina Panthers’ Graham Gano to be the second-highest paid kickers in the NFL behind 49ers kicker Robbie Gould, who was signed to the franchise tag.
