After a week of posturing and negotiating with other teams, linebacker Dont’a Hightower is back where most thought he’d land with the New England Patriots.
Back home to New England. Congrats, @zeus30hightower! #boomtower pic.twitter.com/GVqzqKkeq7
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) March 15, 2017
As noted by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, SportsTrust Advisors says Hightower’s deal is for four years and is worth up to $43.5 million, with $19 million guaranteed.
The #Patriots and star LB @zeus30hightower reach a deal for 4 years, $43.5M, $19M guaranteed, per @_sportstrust.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2017
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers were both angling to land Hightower but ultimately appear to have been used by him and his agency to land the best deal possible with the Patriots.
Originally a first-round pick by New England out of Alabama, Hightower has started 64 games for the Patriots the past five years, racking up 404 total tackles, 17 sacks and two forced fumbles. He adds to an already flush haul by the Pats this free agency period and will continue to give them outstanding leadership and run defense in the middle of the field.