The Patriots have reportedly signed multi-purpose player Ty Montgomery to a two-year deal. (AP photo)

Matthew Slater said he’s glad to be back as a New England Patriot, as a conversation with Bill Belichick spelled out the fact the coach wanted him back and what kind of role he’d have with the team.

“The Patriots had to want me back,” Slater said during a video conference with the media on Thursday. “I wasn’t going to go anywhere else. I certainly appreciated the conversations I had with (Belichick) and where he sees this going.”

Slater, who signed a one-year deal to return, also said that the fact the Patriots brought back fellow longtime veteran safety Devin McCourty was a key in him wanting to return, and the two were talking as their negotiations with the Patriots were ongoing.

“I realize how special it is to play alongside a guy for 13 years,and Devin’s not just anyone,” Slater said, adding he joked with McCourty that he wasn’t returning unless the safety did. “We get a chance to do this one more year.”

McCourty said he’s not being brought back to be a cheerleader. A leader, yes.

“I still have to be a productive, contributing member of this football team,” he said. “Things have evolved to the point were I do have responsibilities beyond the field.”

Of course, Slater said he’s followed the transactions and has seen teammates leave, either by trade or as free agents, including corner J.C. Jackson and offensive lineman Shaq Mason.

“Teams make a number of exciting transactions but you know at tne of day you have to go out and prepare and execute,” he said. “This time of year is tough; relationships change when guys change locations and go other places.”

The Patriots uncharacteristically struggled at times on special teams last year, and Slater knows where the most.

Punt protection and penalties “were two things we identified what the issues are,” he said, “and now it’s a matter of doing it better.”

Slater said that when he first became a Patriot 15 years ago he was just hoping to hang on, perhaps “squeeze on a practice squad when I got here.”

And now he’s been a Pro Bowler several times over.

“I still,” he said, “have a very strong love for this game.”

And the Patriots obviously feel the same way about him.

PATS SIGN MONTGOMERY

The Patriots reportedly added a player who might be able to help special teams and give them some yards after catch on Thursday.

According to reports, they signed free agent running back/receiver Ty Montgomery to a two year, $4 million deal. Montgomery, who also played in Green Bay, spent the last couple of seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

He’s someone who could fill a couple of rolls. First, the Patriots lost back Brandon Bolden to the Raiders – who reportedly last night traded for Green Bay receiver Davante Adams – and did not offer a tender to punt returner/receiver Gunner Olszewski.

Thus there could be a role for Montgomery, who was a kickoff returner for the Saints but did not return punts as Olszewski did.

Montgomery was drafted by the Packers in the third round as a receiver out of Standford in 2015. In 2016, he switched to running back. He was dealt to the Ravens in 2018 and also spent time with the Jets before becoming a Saint in 2020.

Last year he had 16 catches for 95 yards and carried the ball 15 times for 44 yards. He returned two kicks for 59 yards, including a 33-yard return.

PATROTS MAKE IT OFFICIAL

The team officially announced the trade with Cleveland of Chase Winovich for linebacker Mack Wilson, plus the trade of Mason to Tampa Bay for a fifth round pick. They also officially announced the re-signing of veteran running back James White.