Cowboy Up: Could Dallas End Hightower’s Patriots Tenure?

FOXBORO — For the previous 10 seasons, veteran free agent linebacker Dont’a Hightower has been a mainstay for the New England Patriots.

Throughout his Patriots tenure, he was named to 2 Professional Bowls and received three Tremendous Bowl titles. He has been chosen by his teammates as a four-time crew captain; lengthy since cementing his place amongst New England’s defensive greats.

In truth, when just lately requested about which present Patriots is likely to be in line to finally fill his cleats, coach Invoice Belichick responded:

“It is a stretch to match nearly anyone to Hightower … You are speaking about among the finest linebackers that is ever performed right here.”

Nonetheless, the 32-year-old stays on the free agent market.

Per a current musing from Bleacher Report, that will not be the case for for much longer. With a necessity for depth on the place, the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a possible suitor for Hightower’s companies.

“Defensively, Dallas might use a lift to its run protection. Dallas ranked simply twenty third in yards per carry allowed (4.5) on the 12 months and surrendered a mean of 130 yards per recreation over the ultimate 10 weeks of the common season.

Particularly, the Cowboys might use one other run-stopping linebacker or two, because the depth behind Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch is questionable—and Parsons spent a variety of his time final season serving as extra of an edge-rusher.”

Hightower has been a necessary a part of the Patriots’ protection ever since his arrival in 2012 as a Patriots’ first-round draft choice. He’s not solely a prolific linebacker, but in addition a director of motion on the sector; in addition to certainly one of tne of essentially the most revered leaders within the Patriots locker room.

Following a one-year hiatus in 2020 [via COVID-19 opt-out], Hightower returned to reprise his function as a crew chief and strong presence in the midst of New England’s protection. He appeared in 16 of 18 doable video games and noticed the sector for 59.8 % of the Patriots’ defensive snaps. Regardless of some struggles all through the season, Hightower confirmed that he’s nonetheless able to being an efficient participant, ending the season with 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks, primarily enjoying on early downs and defending in opposition to the run.

Although his place in Patriots historical past is firmly secured, Hightower might discover himself on the other finish of the Pats’ youth-and-speed motion heading into 2022. Whereas a reunion actually can’t be dominated out, a continuation of his soccer journey elsewhere within the upcoming season could also be a real chance.

In that vein, Dallas is an intriguing choice. The Cowboys predict second-year linebacker Jabril Cox to play a key function on the sturdy facet, behind starter Micah Parsons. Including Hightower would give the crew veteran depth on the place, in addition to present them with a participant able to strengthening their run protection.

Shortly earlier than the beginning of OTAs within the spring, a supply confirmed to Patriots Nation that Hightower was “nonetheless determining what he needs to do” earlier than committing to play in his eleventh season within the NFL; both in New England or with one other franchise.

Although the Cowboys current intriguing potential, the attract of enjoying for the Patriots could also be a suggestion which Hightower can not refuse.

When requested if he would welcome Hightower again to the Foxboro fold, previous to the beginning of necessary minicamp in June, Belichick responded:

“Yeah, we’ll simply speak in regards to the gamers who’re right here.”

With veterans set to report back to coaching camp on July 26, followers and media alike will likely be maintaining a pointy eye on the follow fields adjoining to Gillette Stadium to see in Hightower will be a part of them within the coming days and weeks.