The New England Patriots came pretty close to losing another key player in 2020. Special team’s standout and team captain Matthew Slater nearly opted out, but eventually decided to play, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Slater’s decision to play may have convinced others in the Patriots’ locker room to suit up in 2020, according to Mike Garafolo.
The 34-year-old Slater carries a lot of weight around the team. The eight time Pro Bowler is one of the best gunners in the NFL and — with Tom Brady leaving in the offseason — the longest tenured member of the Patriots.