Matthew Slater hoping to return to New England in 2020
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
In 2019, Matthew Slater played as good of a season as he has in recent memory. In 2020, he plans on doing it again.
During Wednesday’s Pro Bowl practice, Slater told Jeff Howe of The Athletic he would like to return to the Patriots next season. The special teams ace’s contract expires at the end of the league year, he’s one of 20 players the team will have to make a decision on between now and March 18th.
Matthew Slater wants to play again and wants it to be for the Patriots https://t.co/xNJOSoBoYj
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 22, 2020
A captain since 2011, Slater is coming off of his fifth career All-Pro season. Along with mid-season signing Justin Bethel and rookie punter Jake Bailey, he formed an elite kick coverage unit that regularly pinned Patriots opponents deep in 2019. He also scored his first career touchdown, recovering a blocked punt against the Buffalo Bills in week four. Bill Belichick has always prioritized special teams, but can he fit Slater into the budget and onto the roster in 2020? If he can, it sounds like 12-year pro is open to a return.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth