On Tuesday, Peppers was asked about what Slater’s current role within the organization is. 

“It said advisor — whatever that means,” Peppers said of Slater’s current position. “As long as I get to bounce some knowledge off of him and see him around the locker room, having Slate in the locker room, he uplifted spirits and always knew what to say. So I’m definitely happy we kept him in the building.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Slater’s new role with the Patriots in his post-playing career is a full-time gig or more of a voluntary position. But Peppers was not surprised to see Peppers back at Gillette Stadium just a few months after hanging up his cleats for good. 

“I didn’t think he was done anyway,” Peppers said. “So I think this is his way to stay engaged but take the load off of his body, get some more time with the family, but also still be a part of the organization and doing the thing he loves to do.”

If Slater does join New England’s staff in a regular role, it would be the latest hire from Jerod Mayo that involved bringing an ex-Patriot back into the fold.

Earlier this offseason, the Patriots hired former linebacker Dont’a Hightower as the team’s new linebackers coach, while Tiquan Underwood was brought in as an assistant wide receivers coach.