First, it was former Alabama offensive guard Chance Warmack, who was with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, it’s former linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who has been a staple on the New England Patriots defense for quite some time.
Adam Schefter with ESPN first reported the news via his Twitter account on Tuesday morning:
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
It’s yet another big blow to the Patriots, as several players have chosen to opt out this season.
And so Patriots RB Brandon Bolden also is planning to opt out of the 2020 season, which would make him the fifth New England player to miss this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020
The Patriots have been especially hit hard at linebacker, however. Earlier this offseason, Jamie Collins (Detroit Lions) and Kyle Van Noy (Miami Dolphins) both chose to head in a different direction, which means New England will be without its entire linebacker corp from the 2019 season.
And that doesn’t even include former MVP Tom Brady leaving for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hightower is one of the most well-respected players in the New England locker room. He has been a captain for the majority of his career, and he’s been an outstanding player representing the organization — both on and off the field.
Last season, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound linebacker had 60 total tackles, 5.5 sacks and four pass deflections.
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