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Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: Nate Ebner

By Connor Fulton

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks to defensive back Nate Ebner (43) during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks to defensive back Nate Ebner (43) during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nate Ebner
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks to defensive back Nate Ebner (43) during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

As the next installment in our Yes/No series detailing the New England Patriots’ free agency, this morning we are deciding whether or not the Patriots should re-sign free agent safety Nate Ebner.

The answer: YES

As one of the core special teamers on the Patriots, Ebner must be re-signed this offseason. As noted by Rich Hill of Pats Pulpit, no special teamer since 2012, including Matthew Slater, has played more special teams snaps than Ebner’s 1,217.

The problem the Patriots face is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to core special teamers. There’s Slater and Brandon King in addition to guys like Jonathan Freeny and Tavon Wilson. Considering that King, Freeny and Wilson are all also free agents, the Pats will have some tough decisions to make.

From the Nate Ebner vault: Patriots kick-off in 43 days: Profiling No. 43 Nate Ebner

Expect the Patriots to cut Wilson loose, which should allow them to retain King, Ebner and Freeny, as Freeny offers value as a depth linebacker.

Ebner is one of the more unique players in the NFL, and he’s fully deserving of the bump in pay that would come with being re-signed.

In case you missed them, listed here are recent installments in our Yes/No free agency series.

Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: WR Brandon Gibson

Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: FB James Develin

Patriots 2016 Free Agency Yes/No: DT Sealver Siliga

Next: 5 Under-the-radar free agents Pats should consider

Be sure to check back on Musket Fire tomorrow morning as we ponder the future of free agent running back LeGarrette Blount.

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