Matthew Slater discussed how he ‘almost left’ the Patriots in 2018
Slater recalled his moment in free agency, and how he ultimately decided to stay in New England.
Matthew Slater looked back on a “what if?” moment: Matthew Slater recently retired after 16 seasons in the NFL. The legendary special teams ace spent his entire career with the Patriots, but there was a moment in 2018 when his future in New England was distinctly in doubt.
Slater, speaking during a recent episode of fellow former Patriot Julian Edelman’s podcast, “Games With Names,” recalled how the Steelers came close to luring him away in the 2018 offseason.
“I almost left,” Slater told Edelman. “Pittsburgh. They were trying to hardball me in negotiations. I had to almost pull the emergency chute, get out of there.”
The news was covered at the time, with ESPN reporter Field Yates noting Slater’s visit in Pittsburgh.
Eventually, Patriots management opted to make another effort to bring him back.
“I got the call from New England at the airport,” Slater remembered. “Needless to say, I signed back.”
After agreeing to a two-year contract, Slater would go on to play another six seasons with Bill Belichick and the Patriots, helping the team win another Super Bowl in the process.
Trivia: Who is the only punter in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He is also the only punter to be a first-round pick.
Scores and schedules:
The Bruins defeated the Panthers 4-3 on Tuesday. Boston will play again tonight, facing the Lightning in Tampa at 7:30 p.m.
The Celtics, after blowing a 30-point lead against the Hawks on Monday, face Atlanta on the road again tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
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- ‘That is a lie’: Gisele Bundchen says she never cheated on Tom Brady
- Matthew Slater, Julian Edelman back Bill Belichick amid ‘The Dynasty’ backlash
- NFL analyst predicts J.J. McCarthy to Patriots in latest mock draft
- Former NFL GM maps out ‘concerns’ if Patriots draft LSU QB Jayden Daniels
- Red Sox rumored target Jordan Montgomery reportedly signs with Diamondbacks
- Jrue Holiday says Celtics still have to ‘go for the kill’ despite wins
Kendrick Perkins’ thoughts on Celtics: The former Boston center had strong words after Monday’s loss against the Hawks.
On this day: In 1987, the Celtics defeated the Bulls 111-106 behind Larry Bird’s 41 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Boston also got strong performances from Danny Ainge (15 assists) and Kevin McHale (21 points). Michael Jordan—who averaged 37.1 points per game that season—was limited to “just” 22 points (though he also totaled seven steals).
Elsewhere, Rick Pitino and Providence prepared to play Syracuse amid an unexpected run to the Final Four.
Daily highlight: Red Sox prospect Ceddanne Rafaela made a diving catch in Tuesday’s spring training game.
Trivia answer: Ray Guy
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