Check out photos of Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski through the years.
FOXBOROUGH, MA - 2007: Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots poses for his 2007 NFL headshot at photo day in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Getty Images) * Local Caption* Stephen Gostkowski
This is a 2010 photo of Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots football team. This image reflects the Patriots roster as of June 2, 2010 when this picture was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2012 photo of Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots NFL football team. This image reflects the Patriots active roster as of 6/11/12 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2014 photo of Stephen Gostkowski of the New England Patriots NFL football team. This image reflects the New England Patriots active roster as of June 11, 2014 when this image was taken.
Locks: Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Joe Cardona *
Bubble:None
Long shots: None
BREAKDOWN: There's virtually no suspense at all here. Gostkowski remains one of the NFL's most dependable, strong-legged kickers, and reportedly signed a four-year contract with New England Wednesday worth just north of $17 million. Allen, meanwhile, has proven an excellent punter and sure-handed holder for Gostkowski's placekicks. The only reason there's an asterisk next to rookie Cardona's name is because he is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and as such, his military service status remains unclear, at least publicly, right now. If the Navy allows him to play in the NFL this season, he'll be New England's long snapper. Bill Belichick drafted him for that express purpose. If Cardona is forced, however, to begin his active duty service in the near future, then the Patriots would have to scrounge up a long snapper, possible their most recent one, free agent Danny Aiken. Otherwise, it's Cardona's job.
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- **Roster Breakdown: Offensive Line**
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- **Roster Breakdown: Quarterback**
