Source: Patriots re-sign special teamer Justin Bethel

The Patriots are bringing back one of their core special teamers.

According to a source, the Pats have re-signed Justin Bethel to a three-year, $6 million contract. The 30-year-old is one of the best gunners in the NFL and created a dominant 1-2 punch last season with Pro Bowler Matthew Slater. Bethel led the Patriots with 14 special teams tackles last season.

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Bethel gives the Patriots a dominant force in the kicking game. He also gives them insurance for when Slater, 35, retires. The nine-time Pro Bowler is signed for one more season, but  did say his return for 2021 was up in the air.

 The Patriots brought Bethel in during the middle of the 2019 season. He finished with six tackles and two fumble recoveries in nine games that year. Last year, Bethel was outstanding as the Patriots special teams unit was the best part of the 2020 squad. He had one of the Patriots two blocked kicks. 

The Bethel news was first reported by ESPN.