Patriots: 3 players who are already proving they won’t be back in 2022

1. Dont’a Hightower

This one may sting a bit for Patriots fans, but it’s possible that this is the last season for linebacker Dont’a Hightower with the Patriots. The man who has been a mainstay on the New England defense for majority of the last decade isn’t as dominant as he once was.

A lot of that may be attributed to rust, as Hightower is working his way back into playing shape after opting out in 2020. After the first six games, he does have 23 tackles and two quarterback hits, but he isn’t popping off the screen like years past.

However, his performances have been improving as the season progresses. After a Week 5 victory against the Houston Texans, many acknowledged it as the best Hightower has looked in his time back.

Even with improving play, Hightower is 31 and in the final year of his contract. He will have to prove to the Patriots that he’s back to his former self and committed to the franchise if they are going to bring him back, especially with all the money the team spent in free agency this past season.

If Hightower is back, it won’t be on a lucrative contract, which tells us he might search for one final payday before hanging up his cleats.