Matthew Slater reveals which team he almost signed with after his Patriots contract ended
Matthew Slater is the ultimate Patriot. However, there was a potential situation where he still didn't finish his career in New England. During his time with the Patriots, Slater signed five different contracts across his 16 seasons. However, he revealed that it wasn't always a done deal that he was coming back. And he even […]
Matthew Slater is the ultimate Patriot. However, there was a potential situation where he still didn't finish his career in New England.
During his time with the Patriots, Slater signed five different contracts across his 16 seasons. However, he revealed that it wasn't always a done deal that he was coming back.
And he even got close to signing with another team, which is truly every Patriots fan's worst nightmare.
While appearing on Julian Edelman's "Game With Names" podcast, Slater revealed that he got close to signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“I almost left,” Slater shared. “They were trying to hardball me in negotiations. I almost had to get out of there. I almost had to pull the emergency chute and get out of there.”
However, Bill Belichick gave the Patriots legend a call, and that was enough to bring him back.
“I got the call in the airport,” Slater added. “Needless to say, I signed back.”
And it proved to be the right decision, with Slater coming back to the team and helping them win Super Bowl LII against the Los Angeles Rams.
He even played so well that Belichick thought the special teamer should have won the MVP instead of Edelman.
"Me and Bill, we were going out and doing some stuff for the MVP, Coach stuff, and he looks at me and goes, 'Shit, I would have given it to Slate,'" Edelman revealed. "Literally, he literally says, 'Slater was MVP.'"
Slater was drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and went on to become an important piece of the organization. Slater served as the Patriots captain for many seasons, proving to be a leader both on and off the field.
Throughout his time in New England, he also cemented himself in the Dynasty, winning three Super Bowl championships with the team.
Things wouldn't be the same if he wore another jersey. Plus, yellow and black wouldn't suit him.
