The New England Patriots continue their tear of roster moves and have tendered the possible heir to special teams captain Matthew Slater, with credit to NESN's Doug Kyed for breaking the news.
The Patriots plan to tender exclusive rights FA LB/DB/STs extraordinaire Brandon King, per source.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 7, 2016
King was a rookie that was pulled off the practice squad and ultimately became one of the most important special teams players on the roster. He was a core four player and served as a gunner alongside Slater, and should function in that role moving forward.
With King signed, as well as every other exclusive rights free agent that we've highlighted today, it seems that the Patriots are in full free agency swing.
Per the Herald's Jeff Howe, the Patriots wanted to keep King around for the long term.
The Pats will tender exclusive rights free agent Brandon King if they don't reach a multiyear extension, per source. Extension is unlikely.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 7, 2016
King, Slater, Brandon Bolden, and Jonathan Freeny are all under contract for this upcoming season, leaving Nate Ebner as the last core special teams player without a contract. Hopefully the two sides will come to an agreement in the next couple of days.