Now that the NFL and the NFLPA have agreed to terms in their efforts to successfully launch a 2020 NFL season amid the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, the news has begun to trickle in regarding which NFL players are going to utilize their opt-out clause if they feel playing this season is not in their (or their family’s) best interests. It is a difficult decision for players to have to make — but there are no wrong answers or decisions to be made; each individual has to decide what is best for them.
As the first collection of opt-outs have become known publicly, it is clear that they will be altering the competitive balance of the AFC East this season. Of the first public opt-outs, a number of them come from New England Patriots players — including critical starters on both sides of the football.
The biggest name to be attached to an opt-out for 2020 is Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower. That news comes to us this morning courtesy of ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Patriots’ three-time Super-Bowl champion and Pro-Bowl ILB Dont’a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season, league sources tell ESPN.
Hightower is scheduled to make $8 million in base salary. He had a baby July 16.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020
Hightower is a critical chess piece for the Patriots’ defense and his absence will be felt in a linebacker room that has already bid farewell to Jamie Collins, Elandon Roberts and Kyle Van Noy this offseason — the latter two headed to Miami courtesy of free agency. The Patriots were already a team tabbed to endure a lot of turnover this season; Hightower becomes another name on an already extensive list.
Hightower is not alone, however. Starting tackle Marcus Cannon is another Patriot reported to be opting out of this upcoming season. The long-tenured starter has been a staple on the Patriots’ offensive line since 2016 — but Cannon has endured treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma back in 2011 and amid health concerns will not play this season.
Running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale and OG Najee Toran have also been reported to opt out this season, leaving the Patriots without five players before even stepping through the doors to open training camp. As more names come in opting out to play this season, it is important to remember that the health of the players and their families transcends the game — otherwise an opt-out clause would not have been agreed upon. The NFL is going to attempt to forge forward as best as possible, but there will be losses incurred that impact the competitiveness of teams this season. The Patriots are the first example — and given their long history of dominating the AFC East, it hits close to home for the Dolphins and their fans.