Patriots to re-sign Slater, OT Garcia cleared to play

The New England Patriots will re-sign free agent and special teams ace Matthew Slater to a two-year deal, according to multiple reports.

Slater reportedly visited the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

The 32-year-old has spent all 10 years of his career in New England, earning Pro Bowl appearances in each of the last seven seasons for his work in the third phase. His selection in 2017 came despite missing seven games.

The son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Jackie Slater has 35 receptions for 637 yards in his career as a receiver.

Meanwhile, offensive tackle Antonio Garcia announced Tuesday on Instagram that he has been medically cleared to play after missing all of his rookie season with blood clots in his lungs.

"Just got cleared to play again. God is good," Garcia wrote.

A third-round pick out of Troy in 2017, Garcia reportedly lost 40 pounds during his recovery. He weighed in at 302 pounds at the 2017 combine after spending much of his playing career in the 280s.

The Patriots have a hole to fill at left tackle after Nate Solder departed for the New York Giants in free agency. Tackles LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming are also free agents. The team signed former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Matt Tobin last week.

--Field Level Media