New England Patriots Rumors: Teams Say Dont’a Hightower Returns to Pats
The New England Patriots have made a splash so far during this free agency period. They could make even more of a splash by re-signing one of their own.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower is the biggest free agent left out there and is taking his time. The New England Patriots defensive co-captain from a year ago has visited and received interest from the Tennessee Titans and AFC East rival New York Jets over the weekend.
As NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, both of those teams believe he is destined to return to New England at around $10 million a year, a dollar value Hightower reportedly rejected during the 2016 season.
#Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower visited #Jets this weekend and he’s spent time with #Titans, as well. Both left convinced he re-signs in NE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2017
If indeed Dont’a Hightower returns to New England, the Patriots will once again benefit from allowing one of their top free agents to explore the market. This is something they have also done with safety Devin McCourty. Like Hightower, he was allowed to test the market and come back to the Patriots with a deal.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
While Hightower’s path seems to be traveling that same path, there is another AFC power who may be in the way.
Appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher and Rich Monday morning, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora echoed Rapoport’s report that the Jets and Titans expect Hightower to return to the Patriots.
La Canfora also mentioned the Pittsburgh Steelers as a team watching Hightower’s situation, but they didn’t like their chances of wooing the versatile linebacker away from the defending Super Bowl champions.
Something changed with their initial outlook on Hightower, because ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted later Monday morning that the Steelers scheduled a visit with Hightower this week.
Next: 5 Reasons to Get Wicked Excited About Brandin Cooks
Of course, things can change and probably will change. As of Monday, the pages continue to turn in Dont’a Hightower’s book of free agency.