Since 2010, the New England Patriots had only one man attempt field goals and extra points for them: four-time Pro Bowler Stephen Gostkowski, who originally joined the team as a fourth-round draft pick in 2006 and has since appeared in 232 of a possible 241 regular season and playoff games. Now, however, the Patriots will need to replace this model of stability after having moved the veteran from their active roster to the injured reserve list.
The search for a replacement is already underway, and here is what we know so far.