3 Patriots named Pro Bowlers, but Tom Brady misses initial roster

Tom Brady missed the cut for the fourth time in his career.

The New England Patriots will have three representatives at the Pro Bowl in 2020: cornerback Stephon Gilmore, linebacker Donta Hightower and special teams captain Matthew Slater.

Gilmore has his third Pro Bowl nod. Hightower got the honor for the second time. Slater is looking at his eighth Pro Bowl invite.

Gilmore has six interceptions and 44 tackles. No receiver has scored a touchdown while he has been in coverage in 2019. Meanwhile, he has scored two touchdowns on interceptions returns.

Hightower has 60 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and four sacks.

Slater is one of the NFL’s best special teams players. He has played a crucial role in New England’s field position battles this season.

Quarterback Tom Brady missed the cut for just the fourth time in his career. It’s his first snub since 2006. Receiver Julian Edelman is probably deserving in 2019, with the second most receptions (92) and fourth most receiving yards (1,019) in the AFC. It’s possible one player or both players will get an invite later in the process, if others elect not to attend.

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