Linebacker Dont'a Hightower announced his retirement from professional football on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday. "It's been a hell of a ride and a career beyond my wildest dreams. It's time to hang em up, from the bottom of my heart - thank you to everyone who played a part," Hightower wrote. The 33-year-old spent all nine of his NFL seasons playing for the New England Patriots, and he'll finish his career with 569 tackles (353 solo), 27 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, 67 QB hits, one interception, 18 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns) in 117 regular season games (114 starts). Hightower made two Pro Bowls in his career and also won three Super Bowl rings in New England.
Dont'a Hightower More Likely To Leave In Free Agency
ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss lists New England Patriots linebackers Dont'a Hightower, Ja'Whaun Bentley and Jamie Collins Sr., offensive tackle Trent Brown and cornerback J.C. Jackson as those impending free agents more likely to depart the team this offseason. Hightower could be a landing spot in Pittsburgh due to his Brian Flores connection. He's heading into his age-32 season and had 64 tackles (39 solo), four QB hits and only 1.5 sacks in 15 regular season games in 2021. The two-time Pro Bowler has spent all nine of his NFL seasons with the Patriots, but New England rarely re-signs veteran players late in their careers.
Dont'a Hightower, Patrick Chung, Marcus Cannon To Return
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung and offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, who all opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, are planning to return in 2021, according to sources. All three are in a good place physically. Without them last year, New England finished 27th in yards per game and points scored per game while also finishing 15th in yards allowed per game in 2020. As a result, the Patriots missed the playoffs in their first season without quarterback Tom Brady for the first time since the 2000 season. They still have plenty of holes to fill in order to make a return to the postseason, including under center, but getting Hightower, Chung and Cannon back is a good first step as we approach the start of the new league year in March.
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower isn't your typical pass-rushing linebacker, but he had a 15 percent disruption rate in 2019 despite rushing the passer only 253 times last year. He finished with 71 combined tackles, 33 stops -- tackles that result in a successful play for the defense based on yards to go by down -- and five hustle stops -- stops where a player covers 20-plus yards of in-play distance from snap to tackle. The two-time Pro Bowler is an impressive talent and an underrated defensive player, but Hightower's numbers don't jump off the page and therefore he isn't much of an IDP star. The 30-year-old had 5.5 sacks in 2019 and has just one career interception in his eight seasons.
The New England Patriots will not be moving linebacker Dont'a Hightower to defensive end despite suggestions by the social media. Yeah, I think well keep him at linebacker, head coach Bill Belichick said. Hightower has been organizing the defense from his middle linebacker spot, which is pretty important for the communication of play calling. He's extremely versatile, too, playing each linebacker spot and also serving as a pass rusher as a defensive end occasionally.
Dont'a Hightower Should Be Cleared For Training Camp
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (chest) is expected to be cleared for training camp. Hightower missed the final nine weeks and the entire postseason after landing on Injured Reserve in November. He may not participate in organized team activities, but his camp status is not in doubt. Hightower is entering the second season of a four-year, $35.5 million contract.
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) will make his return on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Hightower suffered the injury during the opening week game against the Kansas City Chiefs and has been sorely missed since. With Hightower back in the mix, fantasy owner's finally have some positive news relating to the Pats' defense
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Hightower has been dealing with the ailment since leaving the team's Week 1 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Though his presence during practice was an encouraging sign, his status for this Sunday's matchup with Carolina is still unknown. Without Hightower, the Pats defense hasn't looked the same, something fantasy owners will have to keep in mind in the event that Hightower doesn't suit up once again.
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) was present at practice on Wednesday but in a limited capacity. Hightower has been severely missed since exiting the game against Kansas City prematurely as a result of the issue. With reports coming in earlier in the week that the injury was not as severe as it could have been and that there was a chance that the defensive captain could play in week 3, his presence at practice was a welcome sight. As the team heads towards the week 3 showdown with the visiting Houston Texans, more information regarding Hightower's status should be revealed. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor this situation.
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) could return to the field on Sunday when the team will host the Houston Texans. In light of all of the injuries that the team has endured since the preseason, the likelihood that one of their defensive leaders could be returning soon is welcome news. After suffering the injury during the team's opening week matchup against the Chiefs, Hightower sought the opinions of many physicians, including world renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews. With Hightower receiving the green light in the near future, many fantasy owners can feel a little more confident about using the New England defense in their lineups.
