FEBRUARY 20: Terms on Slater’s newest deal are in, as detailed by ESPN’s Field Yates (Twitter link). The veteran will have a salary of $2.52MM, coupled with a modest signing bonus. His cap hit, however, will come in at only $1.3MM since the contract qualifies Slater for the four year player benefit. Given his production in 2022, this latest contact is likely to provide good value for the Patriots.
FEBRUARY 17: A special teams mainstay will remain in New England for at least one more season. The Patriots announced on Friday that Matthew Slater will play in 2023, setting him up for a 16th season spent in Foxborough. 
The 37-year-old signed a one-year deal last offseason, valued at $2.62MM. While today’s announcement did not mention a new pact being signed, a similar arrangement is likely to be in place for 2023. Slater continued his long-established role as a special teams captain last year, remaining productive with 13 tackles while logging an 84% snap share in the third phase.
While those totals didn’t land him an 11th Pro Bowl nod, Slater proved he is still a valuable member of the Patriots’ operation. Suiting up for a full season also allowed him to pass Bruce Armstrong for second place on the franchise’s all-time games played list with 223. The three-time Super Bowl winner now trails only Tom Brady (285) in that regard.
“I couldn’t be happier to learn that Matthew Slater has decided to return for his 16th season with the New England Patriots,” owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “Matthew’s drive to be the best at what he does will one day earn him enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame… He is truly special, and I am grateful that his contributions to the team will continue.”
Head coach Bill Belichick added that he is “thrilled” Slater will play at least one more campaign. The former firth-rounder has not recorded any offensive yardage since 2016 and has just 54 in total over the course of his career. His accomplishments as a gunner, however, have solidified his status as one of the best special teamers in NFL history. He will now look towards adding to his legacy in that capacity.
“It is a great honor and blessing to return to the Patriots for my 16th season,” Slater said. “Thank you to the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization for allowing me to continue to pursue my childhood dream. See you in the fall. God Bless.”
Yes! Slater can continue to mentor Schooler!
“Suiting up for a full season also allowed him to pass Dorance Armstrong for second place on the franchise’s all-time games played list with 223”
*Bruce Armstrong. Dorance is wayyyy off
Great news!
It will be great when he hoins his dad in the HOF in Canton.
*join
” owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “Matthew’s drive to be the best at what he does will one day earn him enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame”
Will he actually make the HoF? Tasker’s not in, Brian Mitchell (1st all time in KR yards and PR yards, 2nd in All Purpose yards) is not in. No Bill Bates. Devin Hester isn’t in despite a bunch of non-special teams stats to bolster his case. ST players don’t get a lot of love from the Hall.
He should be.
I’m easily in the camp that if you’re the best at your position, where people readily address you as the best, you should be in the hall. Long Snapper, Kicker, Punter, PR/KR, Gunner, Full Back, heck even blocking tight end.
It makes no sense to me that the best at the position can’t be enshrined into the hall. I’ve always wanted Tasker, MItchell and Hester in, even despite them not having the most “flashy” or “impactful” positions as like top end offensive or defensive threats, they are some of the most impactful special team players of all time, and in essence deserve a spot in Canton. Heck, I’ve been a fan of putting guys like Jason Hansen, Morten Anderson, Vinateri, and Shane Lechler in as well.
Honestly at this point, I’m just sick and tired of the old age dogma preventing legitimate players from the HOF. Just because they’re special teamers doesn’t mean they’re less worthy imo.
Does it really “ruin” the sanctity of the hall of fame, if people readily understand they’re great players at their positions?
Man, I totally agree, @TheMichigan. Special teams is such a crucial part of the game, and the way the Hall of Fame has ignored them for so long is crazy. Kickers, punters, returners, and special teams guys like Slater and Tasker should be given the same consideration as others.
Why would you come back to that rudderless franchise? To maybe win 7/8 games? He must need the money.
Hater!