The Jets are likely offering the largest contract to free agent linebacker Dont’a Hightower, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, who says Hightower will sign with New York if he’s “looking for the biggest financial score.” Gang Green is willing to hand Hightower a “blockbuster contract,” per Cimini, while Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets the Jets have “far and away the most money on the table.”
Still, Hightower “doesn’t seem inclined” to accept the Jets’ offer, per La Canfora (Twitter link), which would jibe with reports indicating rival clubs expect Hightower to re-sign with the Patriots. If Hightower does sign with New York, the Jets would likely release long-time middle linebacker David Harris, paving the way for Hightower and 2016 first-round pick Darron Lee to play together in the club’s 3-4 scheme.
The Steelers are also involved in the Hightower sweepstakes, but Pittsburgh reportedly told Hightower its offer to him would disappear if he leaves town without signing on a dotted line. Hightower’s meeting with the Steelers has concluded, but it’s not readily clear if he’s left Pittsburgh, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (Twitter link) Hightower is still in talks with the Steelers, Jets, and Patriots.
The Titans, meanwhile, are out on Hightower, as general manager Jon Robinson says his club never even met with Hightower.
Are likely are likely? lol don’t you guys proofread?
That means they’re doubly likely confused, right?
Yes, complain about free content…
^^^^^^^^
Eh, it happens.
If this happens I see Harris going to NE to bolster the core and then they draft almost purely CB and LB since they don’t have many picks left.
If Hightower signed with the Jets he would get exposed twice a year! When the Patriots train a player they know everything about them,especially their weaknesses! Finishing second or third isn’t something a player is looking forward to doing regardless of the quon! Tell me the name of the last successful player to leave New England ? Aqib Talib. The rest have been OK but not knock your socks off good.
Interesting perspective, especially the last couple of lines. Now, tell me again why other teams should pay an exorbitant price for Garoppolo or Butler?
How will he get exposed? What are the Patriots gonna do, run the football at him? Typical Patriot homer comment
Hightower needs to stay in New England where he will always remain a winner
Yeah, because injuries never happen to New England players and they’ve won every Super Bowl since the 1st one.
Because that’s exactly what he said…Cmon now everyone knows he meant that the pats are always contenders, at least since 2001
I originally pegged him to be a Steeler. Now I think he will take the mega deal from the Jets, not live up to it, be released after 2 seasons, then return to NE.
Sounds about right, but him not signing sounds like it has been all along about getting as much cash as he could from the Patsies.
He would look great in 49ers red and gold next to Bow..
lol they weren’t even worth his fake FA tour to drive up his price
Let him go…The next player that steps in his spot will be just as good..He was good not great..Pats will win without him with no problem at all..
We can get by with “next man up” theory when Butler goes to the Saints (Gilmore, McCourty, Rowe, Harmon, Coleman and Cyrus Jones) but if Bill loses Hightower – who steps up? We’re already subpar at LB with VanNoy and McLellan. Do you really think Elandon Roberts is going to be able to step in Donte’s shoes, call out play changes, alter stunt alignments and generally serve as Belicheck” field general (well for 2 downs anyway). I guess we could move an aging Nonkovich back there or just finally admit that Patrick Chung is not a safety but really a “cover” LB?
I’m a Pat’s fan and I want to argue your point really bad, but I’m having a hard time with it. I’m sure there’s a handful of ex Pat’s that went on too success, but a damn good point u make.
Not really a hood point at all. Most teams can say the same thing since most top players ate either kept by their team and the veterans that leave get overpayed. Most free agents, big money ones mostly, do not pan out. Patriots are not special in that regard
I can give u a lot more examples of players that came to New England and succeeded than those who left. C.Dillon , R. Moss , R. Harrison, C. Hogan , D .Lewis. just to name a few. There are some examples the other way . D. Woodhead comes to mind. I could be wrong. But I still say he makes a good point.
Did you really cite randy moss? Moss was a superstar in minnesota and average in NE.
Interesting how you would consider setting the single season touchdown record average. Yup that happened in New England. So yes I cited Randy Moss.