BOSTON (AP) — Strong special teams play has been one of the staples of the Patriots under Bill Belichick.

Few players know that more than longtime special teams captain Matt Slater, one of the most recognized leaders in New England's locker room.

The unit has already undergone big changes this offseason following the departures of former coordinator Joe Judge, kicker Stephen Gostkowski and Nate Ebner.

It's left the 34-year-old Slater, who recently agreed to a two-year deal, as the team's most-tenured player following the exits of Tom Brady and Gostkowski.

"We're going to have to find a new ide...