Last offseason, the New England Patriots weren't sure if they would be able to re-sign long-time kicker Stephen Gostkowski.
The two sides ultimately agreed to terms, but disaster then ensued, as Gostkowski proceeded to miss four extra points in four games before landing on the injured reserve list due to a hip issue that would require surgery.
Now, it's questionable as to whether or not the Patriots will even bring Gostkowski back for 2020, according to Zack Cox of NESN.
Gostkowski has one year remaining on his contract, and Cox notes that cutting him would free up $3.5 million in cap space for New England.
Given that the Pats have some gaping holes on offense, namely at wide receiver and tight end, it would not be all that surprising to see them release Gostkowski to save some money to address those problem areas and then draft a kicker.
Gostkowski, who played his collegiate football at the University of Memphis, was originally selected by the Patriots in the fourth round (118th pick overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Now 36 years old, Gostkowski had some very big shoes to fill at the time, as he was expected to be the successor to legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri.
Gostkowski had no problems stepping in and went on to make a Pro Bowl while earning a First-Team All-Pro selection as soon as his third season.
Overall, the Baton Rouge native has made four Pro Bowl appearances while notching First-Team All-Pro honors twice, most recently achieving both feats back in 2015.
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