The Pittsburgh Steelers failed to sign linebacker Dont’a Hightower over a week ago as he ultimately decided to re-sign with the New England Patriots. While we now know the financials related to the deal that Hightower ultimately signed to stay in New England there’s now a report as to what he turned down from the Steelers
According to a Thursday report by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Hightower had an offer from the Steelers for over $9 million per year.
It’s already been reported that the New York Jets had an even bigger offer on the table for Hightower during his visit with them ahead of his trip to Pittsburgh. However, reports indicated the Jets pulled their offer after giving Hightower a physical.
Personally, I’m not buying that the Steelers offered Hightower more than $9 million a season, but that’s just me. While the four-year deal Hightower signed with the Patriots averages $8.875 million a year in base value, he can earn more each season should he hit incentives.
After failing to land Hightower, the Steelers have yet to bring in anymore linebackers for free agent visits and now appear set to have Vince Williams step in as the starter after losing Lawrence Timmons to the Miami Dolphins early in the free agent signing period.
