New England Patriots: 5 Landing Spots for Dont’a Hightower

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) fumbles as he is hit by New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) fumbles as he is hit by New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Houston Texans

Can you imagine the carnage this linebacker core would cause? Imagine looking at a Texans LB lineup of Jadeveon Clowney, Dont’a Hightower, and Whitney Mercilus.

Sure, it’s not an immediate need of theirs, but after years of trying to balance out it’s time for them to bring out the big guns. The only reason they’re not higher on this list is because of the amount of cap space they bring to the table. Only $17 million, and he would be sure to eat up half of it.

He would rightfully demand in the range of $12-15 million a year starting off, and that alone may be the biggest deterrent of them all. But, realistically with only needing to sign Quentin Demps, they can make it happen.

The trio would strike fear into opposing quarterbacks, unless your Tom Brady (then you’ve already got the answers to the test).

However, the mere thought of J.J Watt returning and that being a lineup would immediately vault them to the top of the league roster-wise. Although they can focus on many other areas, like a suspect secondary, they should form an all-pro caliber linebacker group.

Remember, championship caliber defenses win Super Bowls. So why not complete one with this move?