The Patriots Retain A Key Veteran Star

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The post-Tom Brady era has gotten off to a rough start for the New England Patriots, as they have made the playoffs and finished with a winning record just once in three years without the greatest player of all time.

But their offseason has gotten off to a decent start in some ways, as Matthew Slater, a key member of special teams, will be returning for a 16th season.

The #Patriots are re-signing special teams captain Matthew Slater. Back for another year, no retirement. Massive for New England.

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 17, 2023

Slater is one of the last links to the Patriots’ dynasty, and despite being 37 years of age, he is still one of the better special teams players in the NFL.

He has been mostly a defensive specialist over the years, and he has 10 Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro first-team nods to his name ever since being a fifth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Of course, having played his entire career in New England, Slater is also the proud owner of three Super Bowl championship rings.

Elsewhere, it looks like perhaps the Patriots will be patient with their rebuilding process.

Linebacker Matthew Judon says that he and his teammates believe in quarterback Mac Jones, a sentiment that was also echoed by team owner Robert Kraft.

After a promising rookie season, Jones regressed this year, as he threw just 14 touchdown passes and posted a passer rating of 84.8, leading some to think that perhaps he isn’t worthy of being New England’s franchise quarterback moving forward.

With the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins possessing lots of talent, plus the possibility of the New York Jets upgrading at QB, the Patriots could have a steep uphill climb to make in order to return to the playoffs.

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