Should the New England Patriots reunite with this former player?

The New England Patriots might have to rely more heavily on their defense for 2022–should they bring back a former fixture in the middle?

While defenses usually get the better of offenses during training camp practices, what we have see from the Patriots offense hasn’t been great.  The newer scheme and uncertainty with playcalling has left the offense as a shell of its former self.

The team was one of the best scoring offenses in the NFL last season, and they managed to win 10 games and earn a playoff spot.

Right now, though, it looks likely that the offense may end up taking a step back in 2022.  For the development of Mac Jones, this could mean trouble.

It may take some time for the Patriots’ offense to get as far along as they can, so in the meantime, they should consider beefing up their defense, specially their rushing defense, which was one of the worst last season.

Dont’a Hightower was drafted by the New England Patriots back in 2012, and played nine seasons for the team.  He opted out of the 2020 season and returned to the team for 2021.

While Hightower might not be the solid starter he once was, the team could sure use his services to help neutralize opposing offenses’ rushing attacks.

Many veterans in the last few seasons of their careers do end up taking lesser roles to continue playing.  This isn’t an indictment on their skill, but rather more of a realization that they simply don’t have the juice that they once did.

Hightower’s 2021 season wasn’t spectacular, but his veteran presence and 117 regular season games played could only help the Patriots’ defense, which does feature young players at each level.

Perhaps Hightower could even follow the trend of former Patriots’ players-turned coaches and embrace a player/coach role.

It’s clear that Bill Belichick respected Hightower’s play, or he wouldn’t have kept him on the team for so long.

To be able to compete in the loaded AFC, the Patriots might have to do everything in their power to get better as a team, and re-signing Dont’a Hightower might make sense.