The #Patriots have agreed to terms to bring back LS Joe Cardona for his 9th season with the team. A leader in the locker room and 2nd longest tenured player behind Matthew Slater.
— Jason McCourty (@JasonMcCourty) March 16, 2023Cardona, 30, returns for what will be his ninth NFL season – all with the Patriots. He’s missed just three games in his entire career, all coming at the end of last season after he suffered a torn tendon in his foot. Before that, he’d appeared in 127 games in a row.
The Patriots drafted Cardona in the fifth round out of the Naval Academy in 2015. With the retirement of Devin McCourty earlier this offseason, he’s tied with David Andrews as the team’s second-longest-tenured player, behind Matthew Slater.
This is the second Patriots re-signing of the day – they brought back linebacker Mack Wilson Thursday morning. They’ve now re-signed eight of their own free agents, with just five players – Nelson Agholor, Damien Harris, Isaiah Wynn, Cody Davis, and Joejuan Williams – remaining unsigned.
While the long snapper position is locked up, questions remain about the Patriots’ other two key special teams positions. Kicker Nick Folk remains under contract but is 38 and faded down the stretch last season. Punter Jake Bailey was released by the team last week, and the team currently has no players at the position on the roster.
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? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
The Patriots are getting their long snapper back
