A staple of the New England Patriots’ special teams unit is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Per reports, the team has re-signed Matthew Slater to a two-year deal.
Per @FieldYates, Patriots and special teams captain Matthew Slater have agreed to a 2-year extension through 2021. Slater had said: "It’s hard for me to visualize myself playing anywhere else. I've expressed publicly & privately to remain a Patriot for the entirety of my career."
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 14, 2020
Slater, 34, was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He never clicked as a wide receiver only recording one reception for 46 yards. However, his impact on special teams has been among the all-time greats in the third phase.
The UCLA alum has also been one of the most vocal squad leaders in the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era as special teams captain since 2011.
In 2019, Slater was named to his eighth Pro Bowl, which broke Steve Tasker’s record for most Pro Bowl honors at special teams.
His re-signing reflects who Slater is and what he has brought to the team on and off the field.
In addition to his numerous accolades on the gridiron, Slater was given the Patriots’ 11th Ron Burton award in 2013 for strong commitment to community service and leadership.
The Second-Team All-Pro is the epitome of what Bill Belichick looks for in a player. Not only with his special teams prowess, but as a blocker in the ground game.
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