Despite a lengthy visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dont’a Hightower is reportedly going back home and re-signing with the New England Patriots.
Dont’a Hightower is returning to the New England Patriots, sources tell ESPN. New England’s off-season rolls on.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2017
The New York Jets were reportedly offering the most money at over $12 million per season but were never seen a serious contenders when stacked up against two powerhouses in the Patriots and Steelers.
According to NFLN’s Ian Rapoport, Hightower’s deal comes in just under $11 million per season.
The #Patriots and star LB @zeus30hightower reach a deal for 4 years, $43.5M, $19M guaranteed, per @_sportstrust.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2017
But it’s no surprise to see Hightower go back to New England either. It had been rumored Hightower’s East Coast tour was a leverage ploy to get New England’s price/interest to go up and if it was, it obviously worked. And it’ hard to fault Hightower for going back to the Super Bowl favorites and remain in the same city and system.
The Steelers lone free agent signing remains wide receiver Justin Hunter.
