The Steelers Lost On An Opportunity To Sign Perennial All-Pro Matthew Slater By Playing Hardball In 2018

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an uncharacteristic offseason in 2024 by being aggressive in both the free agent and trade market. This has been unlike many years in the past when Pittsburgh made minimal moves in free agency. In 2018, Pittsburgh had a unique opportunity to steal perennial All-Pro Matthew Slater from the New England Patriots, who were one of the Steelers' biggest rivals at the time. The Steelers wound up blowing the negotiations by playing hardball, which led Slater back to his former home in New England. 

Slater was a free agent following the conclusion of the 2017 NFL season, and the Patriots did not choose to re-sign him before free agency kicked off. Slater began to test the waters, which led to him visiting Pittsburgh to potentially get a deal done after spending the first 10 years of his career in New England. Slater joined his former teammate Julian Edelman on a recent episode of his podcast, Games With Names, where he discussed that free agency saga, and what ultimately led him to re-sign with New England. 

"I almost left, Pittsburgh. They were trying to hardball me in negotiations. I had to almost pull the emergency chute, get out of there. I got the call from New England at the airport. Needless to say, I signed back." 

Slater wound up staying in New England on a two-year deal worth $5.2 million, which the Steelers likely weren't going to come close to due to their hardball strategy in negotiations. It's hard to justify paying a lot of money to a player whose primary role is on special teams, but Slater was a key part of the Patriots dynasty and wound up playing there for 16 seasons, as he retired following the 2023 NFL season. 

Despite being limited to a special teamer for the majority of his career, Slater's impact on the Patriots was monumental. He was their special teams captain for most of his career, and was considered one of their best leaders. During his time in New England, Slater won three Super Bowls, while being named to an All-Pro team eight times, and was also a 10-time Pro-Bowler. He is considered one of the most important players from the Patriots dynasty throughout the 2010s, as he was named to the New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team. 

Slater was officially listed as a wide receiver, but he was rarely on the field in that position. He tallied just one reception during his career that went for 46 yards. On special teams, he recorded 191 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was also the recipient of the Art Rooney Award in 2021, which is given to the NFL player with the most outstanding display of sportsmanship.

Slater and the Patriots would go on to win Super Bowl LIII at the end of the 2018 season, the first year after he re-signed with the team. Slater eventually signed three more deals with New England prior to his retirement, another two-year deal worth $5.3 million prior to the 2020 season, and then two one-year deals before both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Steelers Have Their Fair Share Of Elite Special Teams Players

The Steelers currently roster an All-Pro special teams player of their own, Miles Killebrew. Killebrew is a wrecking ball on special teams, blocking punts and making tackles. He was a free agent following the 2023 season, but re-signed with Pittsburgh on a two-year deal worth $6.5 million. Miles Boykin is another player that has made an impact on special teams for the Steelers recently. He is a gunner, which is the same position Slater excelled at. Boykin is currently a free agent and also saw a good amount of playing time at receiver in 2023, typically as a blocker.