New England Patriots: Dont’a Hightower Ranked as a Top 25 Free Agent
By Nick Ziegler
Dont’a Hightower is one of the key free agents for the New England Patriots this offseason. However, where does he rank in the entire free agency class?
It was a very good season for New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower. As one of the leaders of a much-improved defense, Hightower was key to the Patriots’ success in 2016.
The Patriots’ defense was extremely underrated in 2016. However, they will have some key pieces that could go elsewhere this offseason. Hightower is arguably the most important free agent for them on the defensive side of the ball, as he is an unrestricted free agent compared to Malcolm Butler who is a restricted free agent.
Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus recently released his list of the Top 25 free agents this offseason. Of course, Hightower came in with a solid ranking at 11th. Here’s what Monson had to say about Hightower.
"Dont’a Hightower is an impact player but has a very specific skill-set that the Patriots have been able to utilize extremely well. He has good grades in every area of the game PFF measures in three straight seasons and has been used heavily by the Patriots as a pass-rusher on the blitz—typically up the middle to augment their relatively average pass rush up front.Over the past three seasons, Hightower has recorded 18 total sacks and has averaged 32 total QB pressures per season, as well as being a solid run defender. The less space he has to play in, the better, but Hightower can be an impact linebacker for most teams."
With a few other key free agents, the Patriots will have to prioritize who they want to sign this offseason. Hightower will certainly be high on their list, but he will also be asking for a lot of money.
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In the past, the Patriots have been reluctant to give big money to free agents. However, they do sign players that they think are irreplaceable. Due to the Patriots trading Jamie Collins this season, that could be an indication that they will be preparing to pay Hightower in free agency.