Injury concerns regarding linebacker Dont’a Hightower reportedly why both the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers opted to let him head back to the New England Patriots during free agency.
Both teams ultimately decided to pass on Hightower after giving him a physical, according to Albert Breer of CSNNE.com, who described this as a “big red flag.”
The end result of Hightower briefly testing free agency was that he ended up re-signing with the Patriots on March 15. Hightower’s new four-year deal is worth $43.5 million, with $19 million guaranteed.
The Patriots originally selected Hightower 25th overall in 2012. He’ll enter his sixth season after producing 17 total sacks and 404 combined tackles. It’s worth noting that 2013 marks the only season in which Hightower played a full 16-game campaign.
Injuries remain a concern. Though, Bill Belichick and the Patriots appear confident about taking their chances moving forward.