Patriots kickoff season with new deal for kicker

The New England Patriots may not be able to get guard Logan Mankins to sign a new deal and Tom Brady's contract status may be up in the air but the kicking game is in sure hands.  Or feet.  ESPN.com reports the Patriots have signed kicker Stephen Gostkowski to a long term deal. Gostkowski had gone into the off season as a restricted free agent before signing a one year deal worth just under 1. 8 million.  The new deal is a multi-year contract that averages, according to the report, 3.5 million a season. 

Gostkowski was perfect last season inside 30 yards and only missed one field goal inside of 40 yards as he amassed 125 points.  He also made the Pro Bowl in 2008.  When he arrived in New England, Gostkowski had to fill the shoes of Adam Vinatieri and while he hasn't kicked any last second field goals in the Super Bowl his 85.1 percent accuracy is the highest in team history.