Patriots Rumors: Dont’a Hightower Returns on a Reasonable Deal

Recent New England Patriots rumors are that Dont’a Hightower will be re-signing with the New England Patriots.

There have been plenty of New England Patriots rumors this offseason, but the most recent is good news for them.

According to Adam Schefter, Dont’a Hightower will be re-signing with the Patriots.

The Patriots took a little bit of a risk not using the franchise tag on Hightower, but it appears that he was never that close to leaving. The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers both expressed interest in Hightower, but neither were able to get a deal done for the star linebacker.

Re-signing Hightower was arguably the most important thing for the Patriots to accomplish this offseason. Since being drafted by New England, Hightower has emerged as one of the best linebackers in the league.

Hightower is able to defend well against both the run and the pass, and he is great at rushing the passer. There are few linebackers in the NFL that can do all three well, and the Patriots couldn’t afford to let him go.

Last season, the Patriots had one of the best defenses in the NFL, and Hightower was a key part of that. Despite having a lot of key free agents on that side of the ball, the Patriots have done a very good job either retaining or replacing them.

With Hightower back, the Patriots will now likely be turning their focus on what to do with Malcolm Butler. Due to the signing of Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots might decide to trade Butler this offseason.

The reported price for Hightower is a very reasonable one. It looks like he will be back on a four-year, $43.5 million deal.

With Hightower back, the Patriots are certainly in position to have a great defense once again in 2017. In addition to the upgrades made on offense, the Patriots defense is still going to be very good with Hightower back.