New England Patriots linebacker Don’t’a Hightower has plans to play in the 2022 season, according to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi. He is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Hightower played in 15 games last year, after sitting out the 2020 season. He recorded 64 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks. Statistically, his best game last season came against Buffalo on December 6. Under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, he recorded seven combined tackles.
Drafted by the Patriots in 2012, Hightower has been one of the mainstays of the Patriots linebacker unit. He has recorded 569 combined tackles in his career.
Lot of questions about Dont'a Hightower future. My understanding is the free agent-to-be plans on continuing his football career. Hightower played 15 games after sitting out the previous season. #Patriots vets McCourty, Slater and White also plan on playing in 2022-23.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 8, 2022
The Patriots have already made a major move at linebacker, releasing Kyle Van Noy on Monday. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots trend toward a youth movement, moving on from players like Van Noy and Hightower.
With roster turnover occurring and tough decisions to be made, Bill Belichick will have to make another one involving a key piece of the linebacker group.
