Patriots: Gostkowski more likely for tag than McCourty

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Should the New England Patriots apply the franchise tag to anyone before the 4 p.m deadline on Monday, it is more likely to be given to kicker Stephen Gostkowski than star safety Jason McCourty, according to ESPN and other sources.

Gostkowski's tag is estimated to be around $4.5 million, compared to McCourty's projected $9.5 million, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com.

Both players were named All-Pros last season, Gostkowski missing only two field goals and finishing perfect on extra points.

"I've thought about all different scenarios, "McCourty said on Feb. 25, "whether I'm here or whether I'm somewhere else. At this point, I don't have a contract, so it could happen that I could be playing somewhere else. It would be crazy not to think that."

McCourty, considered the best safety on the market, began his career at cornerback before moving full-time to safety in 2013, securing two interceptions last season for the Super Bowl champions.

Not tagging McCourty could give the Patriots room to sign cornerback Darrelle Revis an expected $20 million ($25m cap number) next season, or to sign him to an extension for more money.

New England has twice before used the franchise tag, both times on kicker Adam Vinatieri in 2002 and '05.