The New England Patriots have locked up one of their most underrated players.
Special teams savant Matthew Slater agreed to a two-year extension with the Patriots, according to the NFL Players Association’s contract database. ESPN.com’s Field Yates was first to report the extension, which is worth $4 million and will keep Slater under contract in Foxboro through the 2016 season.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t discuss the report at his Wednesday news conference, but he did rave about Slater.
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Slater, a 2008 fifth-round draft pick, has carved a niche for himself as a special teams specialist. Slater is a three-time Pro Bowl pick on special teams, and he was an All-Pro in 2011 and 2012. His teammates have voted him a captain in each season since 2011.
UPDATE (12:10 p.m.): The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin reported more details of the Slater extension.
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Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
