Watch CBS News

Matthew Slater's Contract Option Picked Up By Patriots For 2019

BOSTON (CBS) -- Matthew Slater has long been an important member of the Patriots, both on the field and in the locker room. He's now sure to maintain that role for at least one more year.

The Patriots on Wednesday picked up Slater's 2019 option, keeping him on the team for his 12th season.

ESPN's Field Yates was first to report the news.

Slater, who will turn 34 years old in September, was drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 draft. Though he was drafted as a wide receiver, he's carved out his role on special teams. Its a job that doesn't always draw the most attention, but Bill Belichick has valued both the role and the player for years.

Slater's work was hard to miss in the Super Bowl, when he contributed to what was a dynamic punting night from Ryan Allen:

Slater, a special teams captain since 2011, signed a two-year contract in 2018 after briefly exploring the free-agent market. That second year was a team option, which the Patriots exercised early in the new NFL calendar year, which began Wednesday at 4 p.m.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.