New England Patriots Free Agency: Examining the Dont’a Hightower Situation
The New England Patriots and linebacker Dont’a Hightower are still trying to work out a deal to keep the fifth-year player in Foxboro.
The best defensive player on the New England Patriots is just a day away from hitting free agency unless the team applies the franchise tag.
rding to Mike Reiss of ESPN, it would be surprising if the Patriots did apply the franchise tag to defensive co-captain Dont’a Hightower. This scenario would appear to be a nightmare for Patriots fans, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the team would be out of the running when it comes to locking up Hightower to a long time deal.
As Reiss points out, the projected cost by applying the franchise tag would be between $14.5 million and $15 million. That would be a high number for the Patriots to pay for one year. The best scenario for Bill Belichick and the Patriots would be to allow Hightower to hit the market like they did with Devin McCourty. In doing so, they would allow him to field other offers and potentially match a deal they see fit.
If another team is willing to really overpay for Hightower, the team appears content to let that happen. As important as the versatile linebacker is to the defense, his history of injury and the team’s belief that every player is replaceable may come into play.
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Keep in mind, the Patriots would have linebacker Jonathan Freeny returning next season, as well as Elandon Roberts who have played alongside Hightower. They also have Kyle Von Noy and Shea McClellin. While any of those players possibly replacing Hightower may seem scary, the team could add through the draft, a trade and/or find a cheaper option in free agency.
In all, the hope is that the Patriots will do all they can to keep Hightower. The team seems to love him and he has proven to be one of the ultimate Patriots on the team. However, his injury history and possible demand for Jamie Collins type money could drive the Patriots to move on like they have so many times in the past.
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But, if the team values him like they did Logan Mankins, Vince Wilfork and even Stephen Gostkowski (all have been hit with the franchise tag) then Dont’a Hightower will remain a member of the New England Patriots.