The New England Patriots have placed a franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

In doing so, the Patriots have guaranteed Gostkowski a US$4 million salary in the 2015 season. His new salary is approximately US$1 million more than his previous season's salary.

The Patriots and Gostkowski have until July 15 to further negotiate a long term contract for the kicker's future.

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The team also stated that the goal they are now working toward is on making a new contract for Gostkowski.

Prior to the Patriot's tagging, the previous assumption was that safety Devin McCourty would join their franchise. However, it could have been that McCourty's one year tender of US$9.6 million was either too expensive for the Patriots, or the team feels like it can reach a better long-term deal with their defensive captain.

Allowing McCourty to hit free agency is a huge gamble on the part of the Patriots. He is their defensive quarterback in the secondary and also the top safety in the group. As such, he could command a contract that would benefit him financially.

While he is open to other teams, he has expressed his preference to stay with the Patriots. He adds that they will have top priority if they desire to offer him a contract.

A number of teams in the National Football League (NFL) are in dire need of a safety like McCourty. Teams such as the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Baltimore Ravens are only a few who could seek him out.

There are also teams like the Oakland Raiders, the Indianapolis Colts, and The New York Jets who have money to spend on free agency.

Apart from McCourty though, cornerback Darrelle Revis' contract is also in question. It will depend on how the Patriots will be spending their money for the rest of their secondary.

The Patriots have a ton of responsibility in moving forward to the next season as they pursue another run at the Super Bowl. 

Tagsnew england patriots, Football, NFL, Stephen Gostkowski