Report: Patriots bringing back K Nick Folk
Last offseason, the Patriots found themselves in a kicker carousel. That shouldn’t be the case in 2021, with the news that the team has re-signed Nick Folk.
The new contract, which was first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, is a one-year deal with $1.225 million guaranteed. Through incentives, Folk can make up to $1.625 million, per Ben Volin. Despite being one of the best kickers in football last year, the 36-year-old currently projects to be the 14th highest paid player at his position in 2021, in terms of base salary.
Folk first joined the Patriots midway through the 2019 season, after Stephen Gostkowski was injured and his replacement, Mike Nugent, struggled. He hit 14 of his 17 kicks that season, and was perfect on 12 extra points.
Heading into the 2020 season, the Patriots appeared ready to move on from Folk and used a fifth round draft pick on Justin Rohrwasser. However, Rohrwasser struggled throughout camp, and the team re-signed Folk the week before the season.
He’d go on to have one of the best years of his career, hitting a career-high 92.9 percent of his field goals. Folk didn’t miss once after Week 2, and closed the season with 26 straight made field goals. He hit a pair of game winners, including a 51 yarder against the Jets on Monday Night Football.
Folk enters training camp as the presumptive starter, but he’ll have competition for the job. Both Rohrwasser and former second-round pick Roberto Aguayo were signed to future deals back in January, and are expected to be with the team this summer.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
