Nate Ebner Addresses On Possible Return To The Patriots

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his pending free agency are making the hottest news these days. However, TB12 isn’t the only Patriots player to face an uncertain future. According to sources, about 19 Patriots players will hit the free market. Nate Ebner is one of them, and he talked about his future with the Patriots.

The special teams star spent his entire professional career in New England. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft out of Ohio State. Ebner turned into one of the best kick coverage players in the league. He doesn’t have any problems with consistency, and the Patriots need him for the upcoming season. Ebner is a three-time world champion and one-time second-team All-Pro selection. He was a core member of the Patriots special teams group.

“I mean, that would be the best thing,” Ebner said asked on Wednesday about his free agency. “I think, when you consider my entire career has been here. Understand how things go. I’ve got some true friendships here. I understand how things work — [returning] would be great. But right now, it’s out of my hands, so we’ll see what happens and I’ll just take it as it goes. We’ll see.”

Will Nate Ebner join the Patriots in 2020?

“I could definitely envision it if my body was okay with it,” said Ebner. “I’ll play rugby at some capacity, even if it’s touch rugby on weekends with a club team or whatever to playing on an MLR team. Don’t know at what capacity, but it is in my blood. I grew up with it before really anything else, and it will always be a part of me.”

The Patriots can bring Ebner back on a contract similar to the one he was offered in 2018. He signed a two-year contract worth $5 million. The best part of this? He is ready to play at the same level. In 2019, Ebner ranked third on the Patriots in kicking game snaps and second in tackles.

How will the Patriots solve this situation? Losing Ebner to free agency isn’t the best scenario for the team. Maybe his ownership stake in Boston’s professional rugby team, the New England Free Jacks, will affect his decision. He also has a long history with this sport. Ebner played rugby before becoming a part of Ohio State’s football team.