New England Patriots' Matthew Slater: Regrets Returning For Failed Season?

Longtime special teams star Matthew Slater isn't having the season he expected when he came back to the New England Patriots, but he isn't taking extra playing time for granted.

The New England Patriots haven't had the season that anyone expected, and one that no one in the organization wanted.

New England, the team that dominated the NFL for most of the past two decades, has now fallen to the league's basement. The Patriots have a miserable 1-5 record through six games for the first time since 1995, and the way they've lost has been even more discouraging. From complete blowouts to failed comebacks, it's been an ugly season in Foxboro.

Despite all that, longtime special teams star has no qualms about returning for his 16th season in New England.

Slater with Patriots coach Bill Belichick / Cred: USA Today Sports Images

“Look, you never take for granted an opportunity to play the game you love, especially when you’re my age," Slater said on WEEI's Jones and Mego, via NESN. "Obviously, not what I envisioned when I came back — for us to be in this position. But I have no regrets at all and I’m still thankful to be a part of this group, thankful to be working with these guys and hoping we can turn this thing around and finish on a high note.”

The 38-year-old Slater is the oldest player on the Patriots' roster and by far they're longest-tenured. Slater was a free agent this offseason, and with the Patriots' current trajectory, it would've been understandable if he did. However, he instead chose to sign a one-year extension to return for another go.

At this point, Slater is one of the few remaining ties to the Patriots' dynasty along with coach Bill Belichick. With the way this season is going, though, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Patriots hit the reset button and sever those last remaining ties.

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