ESPN Boston wonders if the Patriots will bring in competition for K Stephen Gostkowski this offseason.

Gostkowski has shown a steady leg in his time with the Patriots, but his salary is on the rise. He currently has the fourth-highest base salary on the team's books for 2013 at $2.5 million. For how accurate Gostkowski has been, he isn't asked to make too many tough kicks. He has attempted just ten kicks from 50-plus yards out in his seven-year career.

The Patriots worked out free agent kickers Billy Cundiff, Neil Rackers and Graham Gano Wednesday.

The Pats are putting Stephen Gostkowski on notice even though he's drained all seven of his field-goal attempts the past four weeks, and is 17-of-20 on the year. More than likely, coach Bill Belichick is just compiling an emergency list in case Gostkowski struggles again later in the season. Gostkowski has been very reliable throughout most of his seven-year career, converting 84.5 percent of his field-goal tries.

Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski (quad) drilled two field goals and five extra points in Thursday's preseason opener.

The field goals were from 46 and 43 yards out, so he was sufficiently tested. Gostkowski is not yet handling kickoffs because he's still building strength in his leg. Barring a setback, he should be all systems go for the start of the season.

Stephen Gostkowski (torn quad) was spotted making field goals from 50-plus yards Wednesday.

This confirms that Gostkowski is fully recovered from his November surgery. With more than a month to go before Week 1, owners shouldn't have any health concerns here. Gostkowski is our No. 9 fantasy kicker.