‘High’ times for LB, Pats
Brain of defense gets $43.5M
The Patriots restored an appropriate level of violence to their defense.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower re-signed yesterday on a four-year, $43.5 million contract, including $19 million guaranteed, according to his agency, Sports Trust Advisors. The 27-year-old enjoyed a seven-day tour in free agency before the Pats offered the most competitive financial package on the market, and the agreement solidifies a roaring start to the offseason.
Hightower visited with the Jets and Steelers this week. He rejected the Jets’ offer Monday when he departed from their facility, and he left the Steelers’ offer on the table Tuesday night after that meeting. Hightower had little intention of ever playing for the Jets.
The five-year veteran was intentionally deliberate with the process in free agency, as his goal had always been to enjoy his time on the market to assess his true value. It was ultimately fruitful, as he secured a deal worth $10.875 million in average annual value, which is the second most in the NFL among middle linebackers (Luke Kuechly).
As the week progressed, it looked more and more likely Hightower would return to the Patriots. The Jets weren’t ever a serious contender, but the Steelers were more intriguing. Through it all, the Patriots remained actively involved, which was also the plan.
Hightower wanted to return, and the Patriots reciprocated that feeling. Once Hightower completed the courtship process the way he desired, the two sides worked out the acceptable deal. The linebacker absolutely would have signed elsewhere if another team offered a significantly more lucrative package, but the Patriots remained seriously intent on keeping him in uniform.
Considering the Pats entered yesterday with $36 million in cap space, according to NFLPA records, it was imperative for them to remain aggressive with their negotiations. They also respected Hightower’s desire to explore his market.
Ultimately, the Patriots retained the most physical member of their defense. His 17.5 quarterback disruptions (2.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, eight pressures) during the regular season were the fourth most on the team and nearly three times more than any linebacker. He also forced a pair of momentum-turning safeties against the Browns and Bengals, had five tackles against the run for no gain or negative yards and drew a holding penalty as a pass rusher.
The 2012 first-round draft pick has been responsible for two of the most important plays in the Pats’ most recent Super Bowl victories. He made a one-armed tackle on Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch at the 1-yard line prior to cornerback Malcolm Butler’s game-winning interception in Super Bowl XLIX, and also forced a Matt Ryan fumble to kick the Pats’ 25-point comeback against the Falcons into high gear in Super Bowl LI.
Off the field, Hightower was a first-time captain, and Bill Belichick moved him into the respected locker stall that had previously been occupied by Willie McGinest and Jerod Mayo. But he was never more impactful than the way he helped the Patriots recoup after the jaw-dropping trade of linebacker Jamie Collins.
The players, including Hightower, were miffed. Not just that, but Hightower and Collins were incredibly close, so it meant even more to the rest of the locker room that Hightower pushed personal feelings to the side because the Super Bowl was the greater goal. Hightower then put in extra film work with linebackers such as Elandon Roberts, Kyle Van Noy and Shea McClellin to accelerate their learning curve. The good of the team outweighed the trade for Hightower.
As the brain of the defense, a respected leader and a high-level performer, Hightower would have been irreplaceable, so the re-signing continued to enhance the Patriots’ successful offseason. They’ve also signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore, defensive lineman Lawrence Guy and running back Rex Burkhead, traded for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, tight end Dwayne Allen and defensive end Kony Ealy, and re-signed defensive tackle Alan Branch and safety Duron Harmon.
The last major order of business surrounds restricted free agent cornerback Butler, who is scheduled to visit the Saints today to continue negotiating the terms of an offer sheet. It’d be a major blow to lose Butler, but keeping Hightower in tow solidifies the Patriots as Super Bowl LII favorites.
On a personal level, Hightower is now under contract through 2020, so he has an opportunity to play his entire career for one team. If the next four years are anything like the last five, Hightower might also be on his way to the Patriots Hall of Fame.
That’s all why yesterday’s resolution was a victory for both parties.