After much speculation and talk, it is finally official: The Patriots have brought back free agent linebacker Dont’a Hightower on a four-year deal worth $43.5 million. He will get $19 million guaranteed.
Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower's deal, per @_SportsTrust: Four years, $43.5 million with $19 million guaranteed.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2017
The Hightower acquisition continues a strong offseason for the Super Bowl champs, which have brought back Hightower, safety Duron Harmon and defensive tackle Alan Branch. The Pats have also added defensive end Kony Ealy, running back Rex Burkhead and wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
As of this moment, the only real prominent players not back in Foxboro are defensive back Logan Ryan and running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount is still a free agent while Ryan signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Hightower’s deal is worth less than former Patriot Jamie Collins, who got a four-year deal worth $50 million (26 guaranteed) with the Cleveland Browns.
Maybe this is the Patriots cheapness or maybe the Browns had to overpay to keep Collins. Regardless, the Pats have brought back a key piece to that defensive group.
