The Facts: According to Globe staffer, Jim McBride, the Patriots are releasing Gostkowski today, per league source.

Diehards Line: The three-time Super Bowl champ is the franchise's all-time leading scorer. One of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, Gostkowski had been with the team since 2006. But at 36 and coming back from injury, the Pats clearly made a business decision. ... Remember, after Gostkowski went down, the Patriots first turned to Mike Nugent as his replacement. Nugent didn’t get it done so the team brought in Nick Folk. Folk was excellent even after missing a game for an emergency appendectomy. Folk kicked in seven games and the playoffs. Folk is a free agent and turns 36 in November. He showed himself capable enough to be a viable option for any team and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Patriots maintain steady contact with him throughout this offseason.