New England Patriots Legend Matthew Slater Returns; New Position?

After retiring earlier this offseason, Matthew Slater is back with the New England Patriots in a new role.

Aug 2, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) heads to / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Slater may have hung up his cleats earlier this offseason, but the New England Patriots legend is still hanging around the team.

The 10-time Pro Bowl selection was on hand for the first day of the Patriots' voluntary offseason workout program on Monday, working closely with a select group of his former teammates. Slater's exact role with the Patriots is still unclear, but safety Jabrill Peppers shared some details during his Tuesday press conference.

Aug 2, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) heads to / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

“It said advisor — whatever that means,” Peppers said. “As long as I get to bounce some knowledge off of him and see him around the locker room, having Slate in the locker room, he uplifted spirits and always knew what to say. So I’m definitely happy we kept him in the building.”

To Peppers, seeing Slater back in the building wasn't too much of a surprise. The longtime special teams captain has been a key part of the team since 2008, so staying on board in a new role was probably an easy decision for him.

“I didn’t think he was done anyway,” Peppers said. “So I think this is his way to stay engaged but take the load off of his body, get some more time with the family, but also still be a part of the organization and doing the thing he loves to do.”

It's unclear if Slater's role with the Patriots is a full-time one or just temporary, but seeing the future Hall of Famer back in the building is certainly a welcome sight.