FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Martellus Bennett #88 of the New England Patriots reacts with Tom Brady after catching a touchdown pass during the first quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

Former Pro Bowler will reportedly play in 2018 despite considering retirement

He's coming back.

New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett reportedly plans on continuing his football career, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Friday.

Videos by FanBuzz

Bennett publicly admitted that he was contemplating retirement previously, but will instead return for his 10th NFL season.

It's worth noting that Bennett said he'd consider retirement while he was still a member of the Green Bay Packers, which resulted in a tumultuous release.

The Pro Bowler was placed on waivers by Green Bay following a shoulder injury and re-joined the Patriots — who he played for during the previous season — in November. However, Bennett appeared in just two games for New England before being placed on IR due to the same shoulder injury, as well as a hamstring ailment.

The Patriots owe Bennett a $2 million roster bonus on March 14 and would then need to pay him the remaining amount due on his three-year, $21 million deal with the Packers during the next two seasons, which would include a cap hit of just under $6.2 million and $6.5 million respectively.

The 30-year-old recorded 30 receptions for 286 yards in 2017, which followed 55 catches for 701 yards and seven touchdowns during the previous season.

Obviously, New England will have to decide whether it wants to keep Bennett around for the second consecutive offseason now that he's confirmed his decision to keep playing.