Report: Patriots more likely to tag Stephen Gostkowski than Devin McCourty

The New England Patriots are more likely to apply the franchise tag to placekicker Stephen Gostkowki than safety Devin McCourty, reports ESPN's Mike Reiss. 

Reiss cites multiple sources involved in personnel discussions who say the Patriots are more inclined to keep their veteran kicker around on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million than spend about $9.5 million for one year of their free safety. 

Reiss's report runs counter to what most analysts expect the Patriots to do. The conventional thinking is the team will do all it can to prevent McCourty from hitting free agency, where the two-time All-Pro would be among the most sought-after defensive players. 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk speculates that allowing McCourty to depart in free agency could free up enough money for the Patriots to extend the contract of star cornerback Darrelle Revis.