The New England Patriots will be keeping long-time special teams captain Matthew Slater for a little longer. The two sides have reportedly come to an agreement on a new two-year deal. Mike Reiss of ESPN was the first to break the news of the signing.
Special teams captain Matthew Slater is returning to the Patriots on a two-year deal, per source.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 20, 2018
Slater also met with the Steelers but apparently negotiations never really went anywhere.
Patriots longtime special teams captain Matthew Slater is visiting the Steelers today, per @FieldYates. The thought of Slater in a different uniform didn’t seem likely entering free agency. Perhaps it is now.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 17, 2018
Slater has one catch, two carries and 35 kick returns in his career and has never scored a touchdown. However, Slater’s importance to the Patriots does not come in the form of stats. Slater is often double teamed on special teams, which allows other players to make big plays.
Slater is a huge part of the Patriots plan to win the position battle. The entire league, not just the Patriots, sees just how important and good Slater is at his job. For his efforts, Slater has received seven Pro-Bowl appearances. Slatter was also the winner of the 2017 Bart Starr Award for being the top player who most exemplifies character and leadership across the league.
Keeping Slater means head coach Bill Belichick keeps one of his essential pieces to his gameplan. It also goes to show that Belichick is able to bring out the best value at every position and is why the Patriots have been to multiple Super Bowls.
