Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots stretches before a game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 11, 2011 in Landover, Maryland.

According to several published reports this afternoon, the New England Patriots have signed WR Matthew Slater to a new contract.  Terms at this time are not available.

Slater was the Patriots special teams captain and led the squad in tackles and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.  He also saw some time at wide receiver and is expected to compete for spot as New England’s deep threat option on the outside.

Slater, the son of Football Hall of Fame member Jackie Slater, has played with the Patriots the last four seasons after having played his college ball at UCLA.

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Photo credit: Getty Images