The New England Patriots reportedly placed the franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski on Monday, meaning safety Devin McCourty likely is headed to free agency.

Gostkowski, a three-time Pro Bowl player, will be tendered a $4.1 million contract for 2015 — the average of the top five NFL salaries at his position. He is allowed to negotiate with other teams, but the Patriots would have the chance to match any offer sheet or receive two first-round draft picks from the signing team.

Gostkowski made a career-best 94.6 percent (35 of 37) of his field-goal attempts in 2014 and became the Patriots’ all-time leading scorer with 1,179 points.

A fourth-round draft choice in 2006, replacing Adam Vinatieri, Gostkowski has converted 243 of 280 attempts, just 20 short of Vinatieri’s franchise record.

The Patriots used the franchise tag on Vinatieri in 2002 and 2005.

With the Patriots choosing to franchise Gostkowski over McCourty, the safety is expected to become a free agent on March 10. Last season, McCourty made 68 tackles and two interceptions.

It would have cost the Patriots $9.6 million to put the tag on McCourty. The Patriots are currently projected to be around $8 million over the $143.3 million cap.