The circus world of free agency within the NFL is a time for players to lock up long or short term contracts that pay well for the performances they feel is acceptable. With Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower, the franchise tag, which is a tag that allows teams to select one player to hold onto for another year strictly for restructuring contracts, was not placed on him. This allows Hightower to enter the world of free agency.
With his five seasons wearing red, blue and white, Hightower has racked over 370 combined tackles (solo and assisted) in his run stuffing position. A player that has been in the consistent role of being a middle linebacker, the 6’3 265 pound behemoth has been feared by many across the league. Now with a chance to collect a massive contract, the chances of New England offering Hightower a big contract is slim to none, but with teams like the L.A. Rams or Cleveland Browns just sitting on stacks of cash, they could pursue a player like Hightower to stabilize the defense.
Ever since Jerod Mayo retired last year, the reigns have been passed to Hightower to lead the Militia to a Vince Lombardi trophy, and it fortunately happened. Although only playing thirteen games and missing the postseason, his contributions in the regular season has been tremendous. Only having one year with playing all sixteen games, Hightower has been injury prone.
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